CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS

 

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF

 

THE LA HABRA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL

 

MAY 16, 2005

 

 

OPENING CEREMONIES

 

1.              CALL MEETING TO ORDER

 

Mayor Douglas called to order the Special Meeting of the La Habra Heights City Council at 7:30 A.M., May 16, 2005 at MimiÕs CafŽ, 15436 East Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, California.

 

2.              ROLL CALL

 

Members present were Supervisor Don Knabe, Mayor Douglas, Mayor Pro Tem Millsap, Councilmembers Klein and Bergman. Also present: City Manager Hendrickson, and Field Representative Dickie Simmons.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

3.         No Public Comments

 

 

SCHEDULED MATTERS

 

4.              CITYÕS CONDITION AFTER THE WINTER STORMS

 

Mayor Douglas gave a brief review of the status of the CityÕs condition after the storms and the condition of Hacienda Road. Supervisor Knabe inquired about whether any homes had been severely damaged and was told that we have none reported.

 

5.              NEW FIRE STATION AND CITY HALL

 

City Manager Hendrickson thanked the Supervisor for his support in the purchase of the County property at West and Hacienda Roads but indicated that the City had not yet received the title. City Manager Hendrickson then explained that the City would be seeking to build a new fir station and city hall at the site if feasible.

 

 

6.              HARBOR BOULEVARD MAINTENANCE

 

City Manager Hendrickson then indicated that he had some concerns about the maintenance of Harbor Boulevard. He indicated that the difference in landscaping between Vista Pointe and the city was extreme and that a number of trees had not been replaced. Also, there was correspondence in the files that seemed to indicate that the asphalt medians were Òtemporary,Ó but they had been that way for 14 years. City Manager Hendrickson stated that he had also received a letter from the Rowland Heights Water District indicating they were proposing to place a water and sewer system in the Harbor median. Supervisor Knabe indicated that his staff would seek some answers regarding these matters.

 

7.              AERA DEVELOPMENT

 

Mayor Doulgas inquired as to the status of the AERA Project and about annexation of Site #9 on the far southeast corner of the City. Supervisor Knabe indicated that an EIR for AERA was still forthcoming, but, that because of his role in whether to approve their project or not, he had not, he had not kept Òclose tabsÓ on the project and was not intimately knowledgeable about their progress. He also indicated that he was not aware of the oil site Mayor Douglas referred to but indicated that the County had been encouraging some county islands to annex. Then ensued a brief discussion on the city limit boundary, spheres of influence and the process for annexation.

 

Supervisor Knabe inquired about the working relations with Los Angeles County agencies. City Manager Hendrickson indicated that they were generally good and that the CountyÕs provision of fire services to La Habra may provide an opportunity to discuss what that might mean to both the County and La Habra Heights. Supervisor Knabe directed his staff, Mr. Simmons, to set up a meeting with Chief Freeman.

 

8.              REGIONAL WAER QUALITY BOARDÕS REGULATIONS CONCERNING NPDES, STORM WATER REGULATIONS AND NEW SEPTIC TANK REGULATIONS

 

There was also discussion of the Regional Water Quality BoardÕs regulations concerning NPDES and storm water regulations and the new septic tank regulations. The Supervisor explained that they also had problems with some of the implementing regulations but that his office would cooperate and assist the City with meeting our obligations under both laws. City Manager Hendrickson indicated that the City will consider taking over the permitting requirements from the County for septic systems as the City ultimately had that responsibility now. To do so could be a convenience to builders and homeowners in the Heights.

 

9.              MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

 

Supervisor Knabe discussed some of the major issues in he is dealing with including homeland security at the Long Beach and Los Angeles Ports, the hospital and trauma care concerns in southern L.A. County areas, and the improving workers compensation issues due to the new legislation. There was also a discussion of the need for coordinated radio frequencies and unified bands for good emergency response and coordination. Supervisor Knabe indicated he is a member of a Presidential commission that reviews Homeland Security issues and reported that he thought the Los Angeles area was ahead of most areas of the country because of the various past disasters it has had to deal with.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

10.       Mayor Douglas adjourned the Special City Council meeting at 9:00 A.M. to the next regular City Council meeting on June 9, 2005 or to any Special Meeting prior to that time.

 

 

 

            ATTEST:

 

            _______________________________________

            CITY CLERK, JOHN F. HENDRICKSON