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Home My WebLink About2009 03 04 CC MIN2009 03 04 CC MINHÄ—@¸— ‰_Í«MINUTES CITY OF BALDWIN PARK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, CITY COUNCIL 2009 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS 14403 E. Pacific Avenue Baldwin Park Manuel Lozano, Mayor Monica Garcia, Mayor Pro Tern Anthony J. Bejarano, Marlen Garcia, Ricardo Pacheco, Council Members 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 Led by Mayor Pro Tem Monica Garcia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by former Temple City City Council member Dan Arrighi ROLL CALL Present: Council member Bejarano, Council member Marlen Garcia, Council member Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem Monica Garcia, Mayor Lozano. Absent: None. Also Present: Chief Executive Officer Vijay Singhal, City Attorney Joseph W. Pannone, Director of Recreation & Community Services Manuel Carrillo Jr., Community Development Manager Marc Castagnola, Director of Public Works William Galvez, City Treasurer Contreras, City Clerk Rubio, Deputy City Clerk Nieto. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Lozano adjourned in memory of Mark Daniel Flores, resident; Council member Marlen Garcia adjourned in memory of Elia Rodriguez, resident; and Council member Pacheco adjourned in memory of Esperanza Baca Mayor Lozano announced his attendance at a reading event in the city and recognized the two student winners of the spelling bee contest Council member Pacheco acknowledged water board and school board members in attendance. Mayor Lozano recognized newly appointed School Page 1 of 7 BIB] 39937-U01 2009-U02 03-U02 04-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO123782-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 4/28/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 03 04 CC MINHÄ—@¸— ‰_Í«Board Member Dr. Flores. Council member Pacheco commented about services he had recently attended at Church of the Redeemer Council member Marlen Garcia expressed her condolences to Rob Charles, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Hernandez, in memory of his brother. She requested that a letter of condolence be sent to Mr. Charles on the Council's behalf PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS Proclamation proclaiming March 9th 13th as Adult Education Week in the City of Baldwin Park Mayor Lozano read the proclamation and spoke about the benefits of adult education. The proclamation was presented to Dr. Kerr; he thanked the Council for their support and announced an upcoming event being held at the adult school Recognition of Rayito & Leo Barajas in honor of their 69th Wedding Anniversary Mayor Lozano, joined by the City Council, Clerk & Treasurer presented the Barajas' with a certificate in honor of their 69th wedding anniversary; he announced that their names would be placed on the marquee at Morgan Park and in the next issue of the NOW Mrs. Barajas talked about how she and her husband met Presentation by Southern California Edison on the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project Elisa Clifford, region manager for SCE updated the Council on the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project Greening the Grid" PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Ken Woods, resident & business owner spoke about a proposed project in the city of Irwindale and its correlation to the proposed downtown project in the city of Baldwin Park Margaret Salonisen, resident announced an e-waste collection event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and requested the Council's support of the cause. Also stated that the chamber of commerce is looking for a new home Mary Dosa, resident spoke on behalf of Edna White, 2nd Vice President of the Women's Club, announced the club's upcoming scholarship dinner. She invited the Council to attend and support this event Al Contreras, resident requested the Council's consideration and support of the Sister City's fireworks stand and spoke about the funds they've earned and how they have been dispersed Page 2 of 7 BIB] 39937-U01 2009-U02 03-U02 04-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO123782-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 4/28/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 03 04 CC MINHÄ—@¸— ‰_Í«Thomas Cary, resident requested pay scales from the past five years, expressing that in these economic times, the Council should not be giving themselves pay raises Mayor Lozano stated for the record that none of the Council members have received a pay increase and encouraged the public to research this information Greg Tuttle, business owner served recall papers to Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia, Council member Bejarano & Council member Marlen Garcia. He commented about outstanding invoices related to the proposed downtown project and inquired if any Community Development Commission money was used to pay this bill Cecilia Lee, business owner clarified previous comments made regarding Superior Market and the wages and benefits they provide to their employees. She spoke about the need for an anchor store at the former Alberston's shopping center. She also announced an upcoming golf tournament being hosted by the chamber and invited the public to attend David Vela, Field Representative for Supervisor Gloria Molina introduced himself to the Council and spoke about the services that the Supervisors office could contribute to the city Cruz Sembello, resident spoke about the decorum of the Council members and the conduct that they display. She also spoke about the ValuPlus parking lot and the serious problems that are occurring there. She felt that more officers need to be hired to protect the safety of the citizens in Baldwin Park Gail Zaus, West Covina resident spoke about traffic issues and about positive promotion of the city, as well as meeting the needs of the residents Fidel Vargas, resident spoke about the adult school and thanked them and the city fo the services they offer Public Communications were closed at 8:10 p.m. Council member Pacheco spoke about the recent budget meeting and the favorable outcome from it CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: Approve CONSENT CALENDAR #4 pulled Moved by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Council member Marlen Garcia. 1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS City Council received and filed. 2. PROPOSED RECOGNITIONS BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 18, 2009 MARCH 3, 2009 City Council approved the preparation and presentation of the plaques, Page 3 of 7 BIB] 39937-U01 2009-U02 03-U02 04-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO123782-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 4/28/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 03 04 CC MINHÄ—@¸— ‰_Í«proclamations and certificates as outlined in the report. 3. MINUTES City Council approved the minutes of the special and regular meetings of February 18, 2009. 5. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SYRACUSE AVENUE STORM DRAIN City Council 1) awarded a Construction Contract to Dominguez General Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $555,943; 2) authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement; and 3) authorized the director of Public Works to execute any necessary change orders in an amount not to exceed ten percent 10%) of the original contract amount. 6. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY AGREEMENT WITH FOOTHILL TRANSIT TO ADD THE CITY OF PASADENA City Council approved the amendment to the Joint Powers Authority Agreement with Foothill Transit and authorized the Mayor to execute the amendment. 7. LOS ANGELES REGIONAL INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM LA-RICS) JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT JPA) City Council waived further reading, read by title only and adopted Resolution No. 2009-003 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK APPROVING THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM LA-RICS) JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT JPA) THUS AUTHORIZING THE CITY'S MEMBERSHIP IN THE LA-RICS AUTHORITY; AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO EXECUTE THE JPA AGREEMENT" and directed staff to report back on the status of the LA-RICS Authority prior to the adoption of the funding plan with a recommendation whether to continue the City's membership in the JPA at that time. 8. NEW POLICE HELICOPTER AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF EL MONTE City Council approved the new agreement between the City of Baldwin Park and the City of El Monte for the delivery of police helicopter services and authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement. The following item was pulled by Mayor Lozano for separate discussion: 4. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE ESTHER SNYDER COMMUNITY CENTER FIRE DAMAGE REPAIRS Director Galvez announced that a bid protest was received, based on the amount listed for a subcontractor. He stated that the staff report was complete but that the request for the Council to deny the bid protest was omitted from the recommendation. Council member Pacheco requested clarification Page 4 of 7 BIB] 39937-U01 2009-U02 03-U02 04-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO123782-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 4/28/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 03 04 CC MINHÄ—@¸— ‰_Í«CEO Singhal announced a cost savings that would be realized with the approval of this item. Council member Pacheco requested that the item be brought back. Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia commented about the process and that the issue at hand. She expressed that she did not want to see a good project delayed on a technicality. City Attorney Pannone, through the Mayor, explained that the staff report was complete in presenting the facts but that a portion of the recommendation was inadvertently omitted Motion: 1) award a Construction Contract to Simgel Company, Inc. in the amount of $67,720; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement; 3) appropriate $94,950.88 from the Allied Insurance Company Claim Funds this amount was not budgeted this fiscal year and the remaining balance will become City revenue); 4) authorize the Director of Public Works to execute any necessary change orders in an amount not to exceed fifteen percent 15%) of the original contract amount and 5) deny the bid protest filed by Landmark Site Contractors. Council member Pacheco objected Moved by Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia, seconded by Council member Marlen Garcia. Vote: Motion carried 3-1. Ayes: Council member Marlen Garcia; Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia; Mayor Lozano Noes: Council member Pacheco Absent: Council member Bejarano Council member Bejarano was absent from the dais at the time the vote was taken SET MATTERS PUBLIC HEARINGS 9. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CDBG) PUBLIC SERVICE FUNDS Housing Manager Ruelas presented the report and spoke about the recommended funding allocation. Mayor Lozano opened the public hearing for those wishing to speak in favor or oppositon. The following spoke in FAVOR: Ignacia Ramirez, Santa Anita Family Services Center; Dr. Paul Flores, Church of the Redeemer Colleen Castellano, Coalition for the Homeless There were no speakers in opposition Mayor Lozano commented about the Council's options regarding the funding allocations. Council member Marlen Garcia requested clarification on Page 5 of 7 BIB] 39937-U01 2009-U02 03-U02 04-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO123782-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 4/28/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 03 04 CC MINHÄ—@¸— ‰_Í«stimulus monies; CEO Singhal stated that when monies come in, the Council can reconsider funding for other organizations. Council member Pacheco commented about the importance of all of the organizations, but that the funds are limited. Council member Marlen Garcia expressed her thanks to the Commission for their work in funding recommendations and requested that thank you letters be sent to them Motion: 1) approve the use of 15% of the projected CDBG program income in the amount of $6,000 15% of $40,000) as part of the public service allocation; and 2) approve the allocations for the FY 2009-2010 CDBG public service programs by selecting Option 2 approving the recommendations provided by the E-Team Moved by Council member Marlen Garcia, seconded by Council member Pacheco. REPORTS OF OFFICERS 10. UPDATE ON FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE AND POTENTIAL FOR FUNDING FOR CITY PROGRAMS CEO Singhal introduced the report. Redevelopment Manager Picazo, Associate Planner Lopez, Housing Manager Ruelas and Lt. Bartolotti each presented a portion of the report to the Council Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia inquired about the status of the funds related to public safety. Lt. Bartolotti responded that the funding eligibility is still in the research phase Council member Pacheco inquired about the COPS funding. CEO Singhal stated that the fiscal projections would have to be made regarding the funding for additional staff Director Galvez spoke about additional funding opportunities available for public works improvements Associate Planner Lopez spoke about additional funding opportunities available to the city related to job training and enhancements; Redevelopment Manager Picazo spoke about the benefits for individuals. CEO Singhal acknowledged staff for their efforts on this item. Mayor Lozano thanked staff and spoke about the additional funding opportunities. He reported that School Board President Blanca Rubio assured the city that there would not be reductions in staffing at the district Council member Marlen Garcia spoke about the opportunities available to the city and expressed her optimism that changes and improvements will be made; she spoke about the unemployment rates and COBRA benefits and expressed the need to share this information with the community. She thanked staff for the Page 6 of 7 BIB] 39937-U01 2009-U02 03-U02 04-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO123782-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 4/28/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 03 04 CC MINHÄ—@¸— ‰_Í«informative presentation Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia echoed the sentiments of Council member Marlen Garcia and suggested that this information be placed in the NOW and on the web site. She recommended a public forum in which the community could be involved and get information She spoke about outreach that would be coming from the COG and Sanitation District and suggested that the Council consider a lobbyist that could work on the city's behalf to seek out possible funding CITY COUNCIL / CITY CLERK / CITY TREASURER / STAFF REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS Council member Pacheco spoke about residents being solicited about loan modification programs. It was requested that staff place information on the website that explains loan and foreclosure modification programs Council member Bejarano requested that staff bring something similar to a pay- as-you-go" ordinance which would require that a funding source be identified prior to un-budgeted items being approved, or identifying a cut in another area to cover the expenditure. he suggested a resolution be put in place to solidify this for the future Mayor Lozano spoke about the housing market and housing conversions. He inquired about possibly having Code Enforcement inspect them prior to the home being sold. Council member Pacheco commented about realtor disclosure laws and that the Council had considered a similar policy in the past. He also spoke about the need for banks to be responsible in their lending practices ADJOURNMENT There being no other matters for discussion the meeting was adjourned in memory of Mark Daniel Flores, Esperanza Baca and Elia Rodriguez at 9:10 p.m. Approved as presented by the Council at their meeting held March 18, 2009. Laura M. Nieto, CMC Deputy City Clerk Page 7 of 7 BIB] 39937-U01 2009-U02 03-U02 04-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO123782-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 4/28/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04