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Home My WebLink About2007 11 07 CC MIN2007 11 07 CC MINHÄ—@¸—àóÍ«MINUTES CITY OF BALDWIN PARK WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER CITY COUNCIL 07, 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 INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Bejarano, Councilmember Olivas, Councilmember Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tern Garcia, Mayor Lozano. Absent: None. Also Present: Vijay Singhal, Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Scher, City Attorney, David Bass, Interim Budget Officer, Manuel Carrillo Jr., Director of Recreation & Community Services, Marc Castagnola, Community Development Manager, William Galvez, Director of Public Works, Ed Lopez, Chief of Police, Maria Contreras, City Treasurer, Susan Rubio, City Clerk, Rosemary Gutierrez, Chief Deputy City Clerk. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Pro Tern Garcia adjourned in memory of Baby Martin Heredia, son of Ruben & Surami Heredia. Councilmember Pacheco asked that the community keep the victims of the tragic Southern California fires & the flooding in Mexico in their thoughts. City Treasurer Contreras adjourned in memory of Rodolfo Villegas, the father of her co-worker. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS Certificate of Recognition presented to Christopher Caballero and Joshua Lopez for their attendance and representation at the 2007 National Young Page 1 of 6 BIB] 39482-U01 2007-U02 11-U02 07-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112900-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 11 07 CC MINHÄ—@¸—àóÍ«Leaders State Conference Mayor was joined by the City Council, City Clerk and City Treasurer in presenting certificates to Christopher Caballero and Joshua Caballero. Certificate of Recognition presented to the Baldwin Park Cross Country Team Mayor was joined by City Council, City Clerk and City Treasurer in presenting certificates to the Baldwin Park Cross Country Team. Mayor Lozano announced that the girls team won the female varsity championship. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Bill Hernandez, President of the Baldwin Park Chamber of Commerce, congratulated Honorable Pacheco and Monica Garcia; thanked Councilmember Olivas for his services to the community. Mr. Hernandez stated that members have contacted him with concerns about the proposed downtown redevelopment project. The public want to know if homes will be affected. Invited the Mayor and Councilmember to attend the Chamber's wine tasting event. Mayor Lozano explained that Park Shadows is not part of the project. Councilmember Pacheco stated that the city is in the Exclusive Negotiations stages. This is the preliminary stage of the project. The final stage is the Development and Disposition Agreement and the city is not at that point yet. Mayor Lozano stated that this is a long process and that the letters that have been sent out have communicated mis-information. Mr. Robert Benbow, President of the Baldwin Park Historical Society spoke about the changes and about the city's vision of the future. Imagine this City without Walmart, HomeDepot, Target. This city cannot hesitate to make changes and must make this a user friendly community. He supported the council's vision. Jorge Sanchez, Chief Negotiator for SEIU 721 expressed concern that members have asked for something that helps benefit the family members that benefit the family members of those present here tonight. City has not allowed a medical for these employees since 2006. Mr. Simon Guillen, owner of Park Photo, spoke in opposition to the downtown development project. City Attorney Scher stated that the legislature has set out a process that the city has to follow in order for it to carry out the project. Appraisals are not the same kind that one would typically be familiar; this is the preliminary process and the appraisal could be updated at a later date. At this point, we are simply in a process which has alot of aspects to it. Page 2 46 BIB] 39482-U01 2007-U02 11-U02 07-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112900-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 11 07 CC MINHÄ—@¸—àóÍ«Leslie Grito, Park Shadows resident, found out about the project by accident. She expressed concern with the handling of the process. Community is afraid. Asked Council to represent the community's interest. Cruz Baca Simbala, spoke on behalf of the Baca family. Ms. Simbala stated that there is bullying and harrassing going on. The elderly are afraid of the tactics that are going on. These folks are going around saying that they are hired by the city and that the City Council has approved them to go onto the properties. Thomas Carey stated that the problem with the eminent domain is because certain cities have abused their powers in using eminent domain. Mr. James Park, business owner, Hans Beauty Supply stated his satisfaction with the Council's selection of Ordinance, Option 1. This is an atonement for this city. This is a happy day for Baldwin Park. Craig Cook, 14715 Lozano Dr., spoke regarding a request by D.C. Corp. submitted earlier this month and referenced a letter he received stating that there is an option and an alternative. Mr. Cook read excerpt of letter received from Community Development Manager Marc Castagnola. Cesar Castellia, resident of Baldwin Park, business owner, representing new organization, Association of the Homeowners of Baldwin Park. Association was formed in order to provide information and to provide for a forum of disseminating information. Mr. Castellia spoke in opposition of downtown project. Eric Co, Park Plaza Shopping Center, referred to the Feb 7, 2007 agenda which stated an item to amend the ENA with Bisno to expedite this process. Why was request approved when process is complicated? Attorney Scher stated that the City is taking these steps that don't bind but that will allow the project to go forward should the initiatives go in place anyway. We're trying to not let an entire project go down the drain. Jonathan Marquez, resident, purchased property 12 months ago. Inquired as to why he had not been advised of the pending project prior to his purchase. Mr. Wallah addressed the Council and inquired about the urgency in passing this matter. Sarah Magana-Whithers, CBD PAC member, stated that no one is against progress. It's the process. The process has been handled by the people that work for the City. Everyone here is unclear with the process. People are just asking for more clarity. Mayor welcomed Sarah to Baldwin Park, who lives in the Westside. Ms. Magana- Whithers works for a developer who has previously gone through the same issue. Councilmember Pacheco thanked all who supported him in his campaign. Mayor Lozano commented to the public stating that there are going to be issues Page 3 of 6 BIB] 39482-U01 2007-U02 11-U02 07-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112900-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 11 07 CC MINHÄ—@¸—àóÍ«that are agreed upon and others that are not going to be agreed upon however, it is his hope that all can work together for an acceptable resolution that is favorable to all. Councilmember Bejarano stated that there may be disagreements in scope and size of project however, the processes are out of the city's hands. On a day to day basis, he asked the public's help in informing the Council if they are not being treated properly. Mistreatment of the public by anyone approaching you is unacceptable to this Council. Councilmember Olivas expressed disappointment that speakers in opposition left the chamber and did not stay to hear the council's comments. Mayor Pro Tern Garcia stated that this is one of many meetings that the City has had. Staff has been informing the community for months now. This project will bring in the much needed revenues so that we can be able to offer our employees enhanced benefits, to pay for street improvements, and to maintain the level of services that our residents deserve. Mayor Lozano acknowledged Walmart as a tax revenue generator in the City of Baldwin Park, revenues of which are used to pay employees wages. Councilmember Pacheco stated that we have come to a point that he is hopeful that a resolution can be reached in regards to the labor negotiations with SEIU. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: Approve CONSENT CALENDAR Moved by Councilmember Pacheco, seconded by Mayor Lozano. 1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS City Council received and filed the report. 2. PROPOSED RECOGNITIONS BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 17, 2007 TO NOVEMBER 6, 2007 City Council approved the preparation and presentation of the plaques and certificates as outlined in the staff report. 3. MINUTES City Council approved the minutes of the October 17, 2007 meeting regular & special). 5. APPROVAL TO RELEASE FUNDS ALLOCATED BY. HOMELAND. SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM City Council approved. the purchase of portable radios and authorized. the Finance Department to make a budget amendment in the amount of $200,000 to Grant Fund No. 139.29.5734-601 and authorized the Chief of Po1iceto. complete any required documents for processing the purchase of equipment Page 4 of 6 BIB] 39482-U01 2007-U02 11-U02 07-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112900-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 11 07 CC MINHÄ—@¸—àóÍ«and for acquiring the full reimbursement of grant funds. 6. APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 61865; LOCATION: 4147 BALDWIN PARK BOULEVARD; APPLICANT: JIEN TAO City Council approved Final Tract Map No. 61865 and authorized staff to process the recordation of the final map. 7. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ISSUANCE OF A COMMEMORATIVE STAMP NISEI SOLDIERS OF WORLD WAR II City Council waived further reading, read by title only and adopted Resolution No. 2007-070 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, URGING THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE'S CITIZENS' STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ISSUE A COMMEMORATIVE STAMP RECOGNIZING THE NISEI JAPANESE AMERICAN) SOLDIERS OF WORLD WAR II FOR THEIR SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". 8. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 City Council received and filed the report. 9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR PROCUREMENT OF A CNG STREET SWEEPER THROUGH THE HELPING GOVERNMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY HGAC) PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO FINANCE THE AMOUNT OF $241,735 FOR A PURCHASE CONTRACT WITH TYMCO, INTERNATIONAL, LTD. City Council 1) approved the procurement of a Compressed Natural Gas CNG) Street Sweeper through the HGAC program and authorized staff to finance the amount of $241,735 for a purchase contract to Tymco, International Ltd.; and 2) appropriated $56,140 from the unallocated fund balance in Fund 129 AB939, Integrated Waste Management Fund and allocate this amount into Fund 129 AB939), line item 129.63.5745.873 Capital Outlay; and 3) authorized the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Public Works to enter into the necessary purchase/financing agreement for the procurement of one 1) Tymco 600 CNG Street Sweeper. The following items were pulled for separate discussion: Councilmember Bejarano 4. AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO AUDIT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH VASQUEZ & COMPANY, LLP Motion: Table to the meeting of November 28, 2007. Moved by Councilmember Bejarano, seconded by Mayor Lozano. Mayor Lozano Page 5 of 6 BIB] 39482-U01 2007-U02 11-U02 07-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112900-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 11 07 CC MINHÄ—@¸—àóÍ«10. APPROVAL OF MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING FOR POLICE OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION POA) Mayor Lozano commented on contract approval. Motion: Staff recommends City Council waive further reading, read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 2007-071 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AND BALDWIN PARK POLICE OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION)"; and authorize the Chief Executive Officer and the Human Resources Manager to execute the MOU. Moved by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Councilmember Bejarano. CITY COUNCIL/ CITY CLERK / CITY TREASURER / STAFF REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS 11. Request by Mayor Manuel Lozano for discussion on the following: Mayor Lozano requested that this item be moved to the next month's meeting. 12. Request by Councilmember Pacheco for discussion on the following: Councilmember Pacheco indicated that the item would be brought back for Council consideration. Councilmember Olivas asked that his plaque be presented at the meeting of the November 28th. No objections. ADJOURNMENT There being no other matters for discussion the meeting was adjourned in memory of Martin Heredia and Adolfo Villegas at 8:41 p.m. Approved as presented by the Council at their meeting held November 28, 2007. aura M. Nieto Deputy City Clerk Page 6 of 6 BIB] 39482-U01 2007-U02 11-U02 07-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112900-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04