CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE LA HABRA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 13, 2005
á Conference With Real Property Negotiator
Property: 1245 North Hacienda Road
Agency Negotiator: City Manager Hendrickson
Negotiating Parties: City of La Habra Heights and Family Resource Ministries, Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Borrowe called to order the Regular Meeting of the La Habra Heights City Council at 7:31 P.M., December 9, 2004, in the Multi Purpose Room at 1245 Hacienda Road.
2. ROLL CALL
Members present were: Mayor Borrowe, Mayor Pro Tem Douglas, Councilmembers Carroll, Klein and Millsap. Also present: City Attorney Levin, City Manager Hendrickson, Senior Management Analyst Orchanian, Fire Chief Nielsen, Sheriff Lieutenant Ault and Planning Technician Doppieri.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Kathy Sauble led the Flag Salute.
Mayor Borrowe asked the City Attorney if there was anything to report on the Closed Session.
City Attorney Levin stated that no reportable action was taken and the first item on the Closed Session was cancelled.
4. PRESENTATIONS
á Proclamation for the week of February 6-12, 2005 as ÒMake Kindness Contagious WeekÓ for the Natasha Sarah Jaievsky Legacy Foundation.
Dr. Jaievsky explained that his daughter, Sarah, believed that the earth revolved around kindness. He stated that when she died two years ago, she left behind a legacy. She loved to help others with no thought of anything in return. Natasha felt this was her mission to fulfill, and we now feel it is our mission. Please support her wishes by practicing kindness to everyone during Kindness Week in February 6-12. A tax-deductible contribution will be used as a tool to promote kindness. For more information on the Natasha Sarah Jaievsky Legacy Foundation call 714-279-8266.
Mayor Borrowe explained that the City of Anaheim last year declared the first week in February ÒMake Kindness Contagious Week.Ó They are continuing to support this effort.
Mayor Borrowe presented Dr. Jaievsky with a proclamation from the City.
á Kathy Sauble will report on matters pertaining to the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Ms. Sauble, Chairperson of the Emergency Preparedness Committee, commented that everyone should learn alternate routes to and from their homes. After all of the rain, there were times when some roads were closed, and it is important to know other ways to get where you want to go.
Ms. Sauble noted that she has a notebook filled with different categories of Emergency Preparedness that anyone can look at and have copies made. She thanked the City Staff and all of the volunteers that have been so helpful to the residents during the rainstorms.
Ms. Sauble also reminded the residents that Saturday, January 15, 2005, is Clean-Up Day, and this would be a good time to cut up fallen trees and get rid of them.
She noted that Norm Zezula is a new member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
á Public Works Committee
There was no one present from Public Works.
Mayor Borrowe opened the Meeting for Public Comment.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian commented that bulky items are acceptable at the Clean-Up Day event along with green waste. Succulents are not accepted, as the dump will not take them. They also will not take hazardous waste such as computers or printers. The Clean-Up Day will be held from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon in the lower parking lot of The Park on January 15, 2005. La Habra Heights residents only.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian also noted that City Hall will sell the Anniversary goblets for $2.00 each. Call City Hall if interested. There are several cases of the goblets.
Tom Minich, Hidden Lane, La Habra, asked for an update concerning the 190 Olinda water problem. He stated that he and the neighbors are still getting water on their property, although it is controlled a little better. He asked if there was a schedule or deadline that we can have to track this.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that the City is working with the owner. He indicated that he would complete the requirements; however, the neighbor downhill from him has some concerns. We have provided him with hydrology reports and information from the Engineering Department. The neighbor has retained an Engineer to review this information. We have not heard back from him as yet. We are going to give him a little more time and then tell him we need to move forward. Our information is that 190 Olinda is up for sale and the owner must provide a solution to the problem.
City Attorney Levin explained that she can not give a specific deadline, but they are cognizant of the need to move forward. She stated that they are hoping for progress in the next few weeks, and they will keep Mr. Minich posted on this.
Norm Zezula, noted that he had originally supported new living quarters and a facility to protect the fire trucks from the elements at the Fire Department. The suggested cost was approximately $750,000. What came from the Committee was a $4.25 million proposal for a new site and a new City Hall. This is not the same project that was originally proposed. Most people agree with the original project as a valid need.
Mr. Zezula noted that at the last City Council Meeting it was agreed that City Hall would be open on Thursday, December 23rd. He stated that he stopped by that morning and found City Hall was closed. He noted that while he was there three other people arrived, one having taken off of work to come to City Hall to conduct business, and one that brought her architect with her. He asked if he understood correctly that there would be at least a skeleton crew there, and, if so, why was it closed.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that the instruction was for the next year (2005), not 2004.
Councilmember Klein noted that the instructions were that City Hall would not be closed more than 4 days in one week.
Mayor Borrowe closed the Public Comment.
5. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS – December 2004
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve the Warrants for December 2004 as presented in the amount of $1,065,970.15. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6. TREASURERÕS REPORT – November 30, 2004
The TreasurerÕs Report Consists of:
á Schedule of Cash & Investments
á Schedule of LAIF Investments
á Cash With Fiscal Agent – Bank of New York
á Payments to City Engineers
á Payments to City Attorney/City Prosecutor
á Major Planning Projects
á Balance Sheet
á Monthly & Year-to-Date Revenues Compared to Annual Budget
á Monthly & Year-to-Date Expenses Compared to Annual Budget
Councilmember Klein offered a motion to receive and file the November 30, 2004 TreasurerÕs Report as presented. The motion was seconded by Mayor Borrowe and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council Meeting of November 11, 2004.
Minutes of a Special Meeting of the City Council Meeting of November 23, 2004.
Minutes of a Special Meeting of the City Council Meeting of November 29, 2004.
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council Meeting of December 9, 2004.
Minutes of a Special Meeting of the City Council Meeting of December 21, 2004.
á Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of November 11, 2004:
City Manager Hendrickson corrected the November 11, 2004 Minutes on Page 35, paragraph three, change ÒCity ManagerÓ to read ÒCity Attorney Levin.Ó
Council Member Millsap noted that on page 3, first paragraph, ÒCity Attorney LevinÓ should be changed to read ÒCommunity Development Director Massa-Lavitt.Ó
Mayor Borrowe asked if the map mentioned on page 3 has been completed.
City Manager Hendrickson noted that it has not been completed. There is not a date for completion. He explained that Community Development Director Massa-Lavitt is not here tonight due to a previous appointment.
Mayor Borrowe asked if the footing from the light standard that was eliminated, mentioned on page 4, has been removed yet.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian noted that they would be working on it in a week or two.
Mayor Borrowe asked Senior Management Analyst Orchanian to let Mr. Quade know when the project is completed.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he was present, but was not mentioned in the Roll Call.
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve the November 11, 2004 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
á Special City Council Meeting Minutes of November 23, 2004.
City Manager Hendrickson noted a correction on page 2, paragraph 4. Change the last line of paragraph 4 from Òspending the existing proceeds of the Fire TaxÓ to read Òspending the proceeds of the existing Fire Tax.Ó
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve the Special City Council Meeting Minutes of November 23, 2004 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mayor Borrowe and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
á Special City Council Meeting Minutes of November 29, 2004.
City Manager Hendrickson noted on page 1, last paragraph, and third sentence, change ÒCity Manager Levin ÒtoÓ City Attorney Levin.Ó
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve the Special City Council Meeting Minutes of November 29, 2004 as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
á Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2004.
Mayor Borrowe noted on page 10, second paragraph, it mentions contacting Fish and Game to see if they would require us to do anything due to the proximity of the Òblue line streamÓ on the property at West and Hacienda Road. Mr. Borrowe asked if anything had been accomplished on this.
City Manager Hendrickson answered that he has contacted them and they will come out to talk with him.
Councilmember Millsap asked City Manager Hendrickson to check the first paragraph on page 13 as she did not remember Councilmember Klein asking Mr. Hendrickson to mail each Councilmember a copy of the final argument.
No Councilmember was sure what had been said and Councilmember Millsap requested that the City Manager check the tape for confirmation.
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve the Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2004. The motion was approved by Mayor Borrowe and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
á Special City Council Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2004.
Mayor Borrowe noted on page 1 under Public Comments, City Manager Hendrickson stated that he had the plans for the Hacienda Road striping in his office. Mayor Borrowe asked for a status report.
City Manager Hendrickson replied that the plans would be reviewed and sent out for bids. We will try to get them in by February.
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ITEM 8.A. THROUGH 8.B. BE ACTED UPON SIMULTANEOUSLY BY ONE MOTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL UNLESS SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION IS REQUESTED BY A COUNCILMEMBER OR A MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE.
8.a. HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MONTHLY REPORT
December 2004 Status Report for Heights Christian School.
8.b. AMENDMENTS TO ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
Ordinance No. 255 received first reading on December 9, 2004.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that this is the second reading.
Councilmember Klein offered a motion to receive and file the Heights Christian School Monthly Report (8.a.) and Amendments to Animal Control Ordinance (8.b.). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Carroll and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2004-32 – ÒTHE PARKÓ 1885 N. HACIENDA ROAD
Conditional Use Permit for installation of a Horse AnnouncerÕs Booth at ÒThe Park.Ó
Planning Technician Doppieri presented the Staff Report. Planning Technician Doppieri noted that the City is requesting Standards Modification for View Preservation to exceed 16 feet in height and Conditional Use Permit 2004-20 for the Construction of a Horse AnnouncerÕs Booth at The Park. The Planning Commission is recommending approval.
Planning Technician Doppieri noted that the proposed building is a 696 square foot, two-story building which is 22 feet in height. It will be 13 feet from the northwest corner of the arena. The location was chosen by the Highland Riders in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Planning Technician Doppieri explained that the Planning Commission, for their analysis, focused on the Site, ADA requirements, View Preservation, Tree Removals, Conditional Use and the Findings needed to make the recommendation.
Planning Technician Doppieri presented slides of The Park and the proposed Horse AnnouncerÕs Booth.
Mayor Borrowe asked for confirmation that the booth can be used for other purposes also.
Planning Technician Doppieri explained that this is an ideal location for Public Address in case of an emergency. This would also be an ideal place to stage.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian explained that the plans the Council is looking at are draft plans, and they will be adding such things as outlets, and a possible ADA counter that are not shown on the draft plans at present.
Councilmember Carroll pointed out that in the Resolution on page 3, number 6, Hacienda ÒBlvd.Ó is used. It needs to be changed to Hacienda ÒRoad.Ó
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve CUP 2004-32 for an AnnouncerÕs Booth at The Park. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. HORSE ANNOUNCERÕS BOOTH – THE PARK
Council discussed allowing the Staff to proceed with the bid process for the Horse AnnouncerÕs Booth. This project was discussed at earlier Meetings.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian presented the history of the meetings where the project of the Horse AnnouncerÕs Booth was considered.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian explained that it is recommended that the City Council approve staff to proceed with the bid process for the Horse AnnouncerÕs Booth at The Park and allow the City Manager to adjust the Park grant budget from $40,000 to $85,000. Senior Management Analyst Orchanian explained that the reason for the $45,000 increase in the budget is to cover rising material costs per City EngineerÕs estimation. This will be covered by the Park Grant increase in the 2002 Per Capita Grant from $40,000 to $85,000. We received about $220,000 from that Grant.
Mayor Pro Tem Douglas asked for a more detailed explanation of the $45,000 increase.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian explained that the project was first estimated 2-3 years ago, and material costs have increased significantly in that time. We may present two types of construction, both wood and concrete, for the building to see the difference in cost.
The City Manager noted that $85,000 was the upper limit estimated by the Engineer.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian commented that the original estimate of $40,000 was almost three years ago by RKA.
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve staff to proceed with the bid process for the Horse AnnouncerÕs Booth and to adjust the Park Grant budget from $40,000 to $85,000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11. FIRE AND CITY HALL FACILITIES AND LOCATION
This item was continued from Special City Council Meeting of November 4, 2004 and Regular City Council Meeting of November 11, 2004 to again discuss whether to build new facilities, where and in what manner to build them, and when and how to finance the new facilities.
City Manager Hendrickson presented the staff report. He stated that the Council is continuing their discussion about whether to remodel the fire facilities at this site or to build at another site. City Manager Hendrickson explained that he had provided the Council with a possible decision process that can be used. Item number 3 presents four possible alternatives and the Council may think of others.
a. Relocate all buildings to a new site
b. Relocate fire station to new site and remodel City Hall at present site
c. Rebuild all buildings at present site
d. Remodel/rebuild at present site, but to a reduced degree
We then can follow the plan as follows:
á Discuss and select alternatives that best fit objectives.
á Conduct Outreach with public through ÒTown Hall Meetings,Ó surveys, or other printed information.
á Review feedback and determine final alternative selections.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that it will be a policy decision how the Council wants to proceed. He noted that it was his opinion that before the Council makes a final decision, they should find some way to involve the entire community for input on the subject.
Mayor Borrowe opened the item to Public Comment.
Norm Zezula commented that building a new Fire Station is needed, but a new City Hall was a very expensive project and they have not presented good reasons for this. He asked that the Council put this to a vote of the residents.
Katie Martin noted that most people agree that we need a new Fire Station and living quarters, and we do need more Community input. She commended the City Manager for developing a timeline to try and follow. She stated that we do need to move forward on the decisions. Ms. Martin encouraged the Council to go for something like Town Hall meetings as the residents do have many questions. She asked what has happened to the land donated by the Conservancy for a fire station maintained jointly with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Councilmember Klein answered that nothing has happened to that land in Powder Canyon. It is still there according to the agreement. The Council has not chosen to build anything on it.
City Manager Hendrickson commented that there was some land on the Diaz property that we were allowed to lease for $1.00 per year on January 3, 2000, and we were granted two one-year extensions. This terminated on January 3, 2003. He stated that this was to be a temporary lease until we built Station 3.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that the Powder Canyon land was to be used by our Fire Department along with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. At the time, Los Angeles County was not interested in a joint Fire Station. We did not want our main station on the east edge of the City.
Mayor Borrowe closed the Public Comment.
Councilmember Carroll stated that although we need public input, we need a more defined packet that actually gives numbers and design information to consider whether we decide to build on the new property or remodel on the present property.
Mayor Borrowe commented that we should have information on Options a., b., c. and d.
Councilmember Carroll noted that if we decide on Option b. (relocate fire station to new site and remodel City Hall at present site), it would require us to keep both properties, rather than being able to sell the present property to help with expenses. He stated that in his opinion Option d. (remodel/rebuild at present site at a reduced degree) was not economically feasible. He stated that his preference was Option a. (relocate all buildings to a new site). He noted that he would not make that decision until they are able to compare the costs on Options a. and d.
Mayor Pro Tem Douglas stated that he agreed that he would like to compare the cost of Options a. and d. He noted that he would like to see us move forward with the comparison cost on these two options and take the information to the Public in a Town Hall Meeting.
City Manager Hendrickson suggested to conserve money they use the report from the architectÕs suggested design that the committee received. This would be one option. Other people can give ideas on the look of the buildings and where the funding would come from. This could all be presented to the residents as ideas and options.
Councilmember Klein stated that he also did not think Option b. (relocate fire station to new site and remodel City Hall at present site) was a good option. He stated that his primary focus is on Option a. (relocate all buildings to a new site). It is a larger site. He suggested they get information on both rebuilding at present site and remodeling at present site. Councilmember Klein suggested that we get a Top of the Heights out in February with information for a Town Hall Meeting advertised for March to review the options and answer questions that residents have. We need to stay on the timeline. In April we might be able to take steps based on input from the Town Hall Meeting and review of the options. He stated that it would be up to the City Manager how fast he can move ahead getting the information ready.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that he could probably keep to this schedule, unless something comes up during the process.
Mayor Borrowe asked if there were any CEQA issues that could prevent us from developing the new site for this application.
City Attorney Levin explained that there would have to be an environmental analysis conducted. This would have to be done on either site. It does not mean that there is anything problematic on them. To keep up with an aggressive schedule, an initial study needs to be conducted.
Councilmember Millsap asked if there were any reasons that it might be better to move both facilities to the new property rather than to move one and leave one at the present site. Are there other requirements from the State that having an empty site might be useful?
City Attorney Levin explained that one advantage to having both City Hall and the Fire Department at the same site is that it leaves one site available for something else. There has been a tightening up of the housing requirements. We do expect over the next year or two La Habra Heights is going to be pressured by the State to provide more housing and senior or low to moderate-income housing.
Councilmember Klein explained that in 1999 we were renting the present site and buying it was a good step forward. It is worth more now than at the time we bought it. The land that we are buying now was not available then and it is much larger.
Mayor Borrowe commented that option b. (relocate fire station to new site and remodel City Hall at present site) should not be considered. He stated that he would like the information on d. (Remodel/rebuild at present site, but to a reduced degree). He asked that for the analysis of d. we consider expanding City Hall out into the green area behind it, covering the vehicles and replacing and increasing the size of the dormitory, and in that analysis we check into a steel pre-fabricated building.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that c. (Rebuild all buildings at present site) is the option that we originally looked at. A lot of this would be remodeled and upgraded, and other parts would be replaced. The fire facility should be more substantial than a metal building.
Councilmember Millsap explained that she thought that instead of expanding ÒoutÓ from the City Hall, we should go Òup.Ó
Councilmember Klein pointed out that cost was not the only thing to consider, but how long it will last when it is finished is important.
Mayor Borrowe reminded the Council that it should be the residentsÕ decision as it is their money. Mayor Borrowe stated that if the Town Hall Meeting is not well attended, it does not mean the residents are not interested.
Councilmember Klein noted that if the meeting is not well attended, he would consider that residents are showing their confidence in the Council leadership.
Mayor Pro Tem Douglas noted that we have gone over the information and formed a schedule for moving forward.
City Manager Hendrickson asked if he could hire some help to keep to the schedule they would like to see followed and to inform people as to what the concept is.
The consensus of the Council was that he would need help.
Councilmember Carroll confirmed that there would be numbers and renderings of the options for people to see.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that he would bring back the budget for this in February for the CouncilÕs approval and have the material ready in March. He stated that he would have some of it ready for the Top of the Heights near the end of February. We will go over any figures we have to confirm.
Mayor Pro Tem Douglas offered a motion for Staff to go ahead with Options a., c., and d. in adequate detail to hold a Town Hall Meeting in March describing the alternatives. This will include visual aids, updated costs, comparisons of the alternatives. Prior to that, in February there will be a brief overview announcing the March Town Hall Meeting in the Top of the Heights. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Carroll.
City Attorney Levin explained that the options referred to in item 3 are Options a., c., and d. of the Decision Process handout.
The motion was approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. PUENTE HILLS LANDFILL NATIVE HABITAT PRESERVATION AUTHORITY AUTHORIZE CTAC MEMBER VACANCY
Councilmember Millsap provided the information that the meetings for the CTAC are the first Tuesday night of every month at 7:00 P.M. at the Whittier Council Chambers, 13230 Penn Street.
Mayor Pro Tem Douglas noted that this would be a good time for anyone interested in the future of open space and using open space to be getting involved.
Councilmember Millsap asked the City Manager to place the fact sheet on the website.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that the Council could just continue this item until the next meeting.
Mayor Borrowe asked the City Manager to let Shelley Andros know what we have done and will do about the vacancy.
Councilmember Klein suggested that the Council give Shelley Andros a thank you for her efforts and service.
13. NOTICE OF COMPLETION – 2004-2005 STREET PROJECTS, OVERLAY AND SLURRY
City Manager Hendrickson reported that the 2004-05 overlay and slurry seal project has been reviewed by the Deputy City Engineer and the projects have been completed. The Deputy City Engineer is recommending that the City Council authorize the filing of a Notice of Completion and release of the 10% retention 45 days after the filing.
City Manager Hendrickson noted that a member of the Public Works Committee had noted that the company did not slurry the curbs, but that was not part of the specifications.
Councilmember Klein offered a motion to approve the Notice of Completion and release of the companyÕs bond. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Carroll and approved as follows:
AYES: Borrowe, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Councilmember Klein asked what had been done where the Gas Company dug up spots on two or three streets after it was slurried. The City Manager said it would be slurried again. City Manager Hendrickson explained that the Gas Company would have to do that. He stated that they have been notified and that he would check on the status of this.
14. CITY MANAGERÕS REPORT
City Manager Hendrickson reported that there had been a five-year contract for weed abatement services on behalf of the Habitat Authority and then we bill them. He stated that basically the CityÕs role in weed abatement is to inspect and enforce, not to provide the services, except when there is a problem. The reason for the contract does not seem to be valid anymore. We have had very good cooperation from the Habitat Authority. We will need to amend the agreement we have with them, modify it and the Habitat Authority has agreed to that modification if we want it. They will get the contractor for the weed abatement, and we will inspect and enforce.
Councilmember Klein explained that he would rather leave the contract like it is because we used to have it where they were responsible to do the weed abatement, but they did not do it as soon as we wanted it done. There were many complaints that it was a fire danger.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that he had discussed this concern with the Fire Department, and they did not find this to be an issue at this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Douglas stated that the Habitat Authority seems to have improved their process on their other properties, so this may not be a problem.
Mayor Borrowe also explained that it was important that we have control over the weed abatement.
Councilmember Millsap stated, in her opinion, we should give them a chance to show they can do it now. She also noted that our inspection and enforcement was not as good in the past as it is now.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that he would talk to Andrea Gullo and see if they can come to an agreement on the contract and bring this subject back in February. If it is agreeable to everyone, we can add the caveat that if it does not work well, we will go back to the original agreement.
City Manager Hendrickson reported on the storm damage from the recent rains. He noted that we only had two major problems, and they were both between East and West Roads on Hacienda Road. One was lines down caused by a tree that fell. The second incident was the overflow of La Mirada Creek, which undercut the road. Both times Hacienda Road had to be closed or severely restricted. This shows that we need a system for better notification of road closures or restrictions to the general public. He and staff will work on this. There were several hill slides that needed to be taken care of and immediate attention was required. He stated, in his opinion, we need to develop a more formalized storm drainage management plan in order to keep damage to roads, infrastructure and property to a minimum. He also noted that there are properties where the owners have not taken action to keep erosion from happening.
Councilmember Carroll mentioned that at Hiatt and Walnut a section of eroded road was repaired, but about five feet from that spot there is a new channel that is opening up.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that he has received the preliminary title report on the County property, and there is nothing significant to worry about in their report. They are ready to issue title insurance on the property.
City Manager Hendrickson explained they have tried out the speed monitor we are considering. The Sheriff Lieutenant will report on this.
The City Manager stated there would be a CandidateÕs Forum in February. The Whittier League of Women Voters, La Habra Heights Improvement Association and the City will sponsor the Forum. The Whittier League of Women Voters will conduct the event and the questioning and presentations will be by the La Habra Heights Improvement Association. The City is involved so it can be televised.
15. CITY ATTORNEYÕS REPORT
The City Attorney had no report.
16. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORÕS REPORT
Planning Technician Doppieri commented that she has provided a report for the packet.
Councilmember Millsap noted that on Page 3 there are various types of permits listed. She asked for a clarification that not all of these permit applications goes to the Planning Commission.
Planning Technician Doppieri explained that 80-90% of these permits do not go to the Planning Commission. They are remodels or small projects where we have the ability to make administrative decisions. She also noted the total of 104 items for 2004 include those that go to the Planning Commission and the ones that get an administrative decision. She explained that their biggest item is for Standard Modifications. This is divided into Setback Encroachments and View Preservations.
Councilmember Carroll commented that the summary with the addresses is very helpful.
17. CITY ENGINEERÕS REPORT
There was no EngineerÕs report.
18. FIRE CHIEFÕS REPORT
Fire Chief Nielsen reported that the new paramedic program began on January 1, 2005. He stated that this has decreased the response time, and in one case actually saved a life. American Medical Response ambulance service is working very well, and they are moving around in La Habra Heights to learn the streets firsthand.
Mayor Pro Tem Douglas commented that the small difference in response time if we come from the new property does not compare to waiting for a response from La Habra. It really proves the worth of our own paramedics.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he was pleased to see that the paramedics are blending in well with the firefighters and AMR. It is a real team effort.
Councilmember Klein commended the paramedics he had met and noted that he was very impressed with them.
19. SHERIFFÕS DEPARTMENT REPORT
Sheriff Lieutenant Ault reported that the speed sign test they conducted was successful. Some of the speeds it showed were high (50s) in front of The Park. That speed is not uncommon. This shows a need for intervention. Sheriff Lieutenant Ault stated that she has assigned Deputy Don Olsen the task to identify the specific locations, and to take a look at some of the issues we discovered when we ran the speed sign test.
Lieutenant Ault noted that she would be out of town for two weeks.
Sheriff Lieutenant explained that the test with the speed signs went well enough that we will spend some time along with the Engineers to decide where the signs would best be placed.
20. COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian is recommending that City Council provide direction to Staff on whether to agendize approval of further work on the kitchen renovation project.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian reported that on January 3, 2005, Staff decided not to proceed with installing the commercial stove in The Park kitchen as it is too expensive and we are having a problem finding someone to do this. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended purchasing two built-in ovens instead of a stove and eliminate the hot dog broiler.
Staff did not agree, noting that the ovens would require the same ductwork as the stove.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian noted that $29,500 was budgeted for the Kitchen Project, and if a stove or oven is purchased, it will raise the cost.
City Attorney Levin explained that this item is a report and is brought to the Council to determine whether this item should be agendized for anything further for a future meeting.
Mayor Borrowe asked if there would be further information by February.
Senior Management Analyst Orchanian answered in the affirmative.
Mayor Borrowe noted that it should be continued until February.
Councilmember Klein asked that it be brought back as an action item so they can make decisions on the project.
The Council agreed to Councilmember KleinÕs suggestion.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA AND NOT ON THE AGENDA
Katie Martin, Reposado, commented that she was in favor of continuing having the weed abatement contracted for the Habitat Authority by us and then billing them for the work. She noted that there were many safety complaints before due to the slowness of the Habitat Authority in doing the weed abatement.
Councilmember Carroll commented that he had spoken to Russ Robinson, President of Meals-On-Wheels in La Habra. He indicated that there were several individuals that would be interested in receiving meals in La Habra Heights, but there is no driver in La Habra that comes up to La Habra Heights to deliver meals. Council Member Carroll asked if anyone was interested in volunteering to be a driver for Meals-On-Wheels they contact Maricella Jimenez at 562-905-9747.
Councilmember Klein pointed out the problem of erosion happening on new properties, and we need to take look into what to do with runoff of water on these new homes.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that this has been discussed within the Ordinance Review Committee, and it will probably be recommended as to what will be required for an ordinance.
Mayor Borrowe commented that he has had suggestions that a Council Member be assigned as a liaison with one of our volunteer committees between and they would commit to attend the meetings on a quarterly basis. Mayor Borrowe asked that this be agendized for discussion in February.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Borrowe adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:40 P.M. to the next Regular City Council meeting on February 12, 2005.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK, JOHN F. HENDRICKSON