CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE LA HABRA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 11, 2005
The City Council finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the local agency in the litigation.
á EXISTING LITIGATION
á ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
The City Council met to discuss one (1) matter.
á PERSONNEL
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Douglas called to order the Regular Meeting of the La Habra Heights City Council at 7:40 P.M. August 11, 2005 in the Multi Purpose Room at 1245 Hacienda Road.
Mayor Douglas asked City Attorney Levin if there were any reportable actions during the Closed Session.
City Attorney Levin answered that there were no reportable actions.
Mayor Douglas noted that the Council will continue one item in Closed Session at the end of the regular Meeting.
Members present: Mayor Douglas, Mayor Pro Tem Millsap, Councilmembers Bergman, Carroll and Klein. Also present: City Manager Hendrickson, City Attorney Levin, Senior Management Analyst Klahejian, Fire Chief Nielsen, and Sheriff Lieutenant Ault.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Kathy Sauble led the flag salute.
4. PRESENTATIONS
á Lieutenant Ault will introduce SheriffÕs officers.
Lieutenant Ault stated that she only has one officer to introduce as the others are involved in a call.
Lieutenant Ault introduced Deputy Bob Turner. She explained that he usually works from 10:00 P.M. until 8:00 A.M. He has worked at Industry station for about 13 years and in La Habra Heights for 3 years. She stated that they would reschedule the introductions for September.
á Steve Garcia, Advisory Committee, will give an update on the PHLNHPA
Steve Garcia reported that the Habitat Authority is a local government Park agency that acquires, manages, and restores open space in the local hills. Their website is www.habitatauthority.org. They own about 717 acres within the Heights for an overall total of 3848 acres that they manage.
Mr. Garcia commented that a few weeks ago, in Powder Canyon, the LA County Fire Department graded some roads and caused damage to trees and riparian edges. The damage was reported to the Department of Fish and Game and a meeting was held. Now the County is working with the Department of Fish and Game to remedy the situation.
Mr. Garcia noted that last Friday, Saturday and Sunday a group of four (4) eighth graders from St. Marks in Hacienda Heights worked at the trailhead pulling weeds, touching up parking spaces with paint, cleaning the bathroom and signs and picking up trash.
Mr. Garcia stated that there are still studies and surveys happening in the Habitat. A Fire Management Plan is being put together and the Habitat Authority will be asking the Fire officials and the City for input. The Harbor Boulevard wildlife underpass is moving forward. The contract has been awarded for $1,114,000 and will be managed by the County and will be paid largely through grant funds provided by the Habitat Authority. Cal State Fullerton will be providing pre-construction biological monitoring and also during and after construction.
Mr. Garcia stated that the Hacienda Hills trailhead will be opening with a ceremony on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 5:30 P.M. Mr. Garcia stated that ÒLiving on the EdgeÓ is a program that provides information about coexisting with wildlife and there will be a presentation of ÒLiving on the EdgeÓ on October 20, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. at Whittier Community Center.
á Kathy Sauble, Emergency Preparedness Chairperson, will report on matters pertaining to the CommitteeÕs efforts in Emergency Preparedness.
Kathy Sauble explained that all the information that she has on Emergency Preparedness is kept in a binder at City Hall and copies of any information can be provided. The current theme is Safety in the Workplace. There are copies on the table in the back of the room. She stated that she would mainly speak of Fire Safety. Ms. Sauble stated that the 72-hour kit for the car is very important. It should include food and water and a change of clothes that is appropriate to the season. Having an evacuation plan for the family is important and should include out of State phone numbers to use to reunite the family. Be aware of any neighbors with special needs.
á Public Works Committee
Jerry Shipman, Public Works Committee, reported that they slurried most of Zone 3 early this year and had intended to complete the maintenance this summer and all of the necessary repairs in the City and service and repair all the damaged berms. We are running way behind the schedule and wonÕt get started until fall.
Mr. Shipman commented that large vehicles are damaging our roads. We have found no solution to this. This is particularly bad on the slurry. We also have the problem on some streets with the length of certain trucks. We have not found any City that has an ordinance on this problem. We can figure which street will not take certain trucks, but we do not know how to prohibit them.
Mayor Douglas stated that Agenda Items 11, 12, and 13 have been pulled. We will take Public Comment but the Council will not discuss those Items. The Staff reports will not be given until the next City Council Meeting.
Terry OÕBrian, spoke on the AnnouncerÕs Booth. He stated that he had been an estimator for many years and he recommended that they take the $118,000 bid. He stated that his concern was that the longer we wait the expenses will keep going up and if we go for a prefab structure we will have a maintenance problem later.
Richard Wooley, Leucadia Road, stated he is the Highland Riders announcer and very anxious to get the AnnouncerÕs Booth constructed. He noted that every other place they have competed had an announcerÕs booth. He stated that attendance has grown and this is very important to the growth of children that are here.
Judy Hathaway Francis, Chota Road, stated that she feels it is important for the City to go ahead with the building. All costs continue to rise. She noted that La Habra Heights has been a City for 25 years. She stated that a block building is the only type that would survive the wear and tear. Ms. Francis stated that many times former Councils have turned down projects as too expensive only to have the costs rise.
Councilmember Carroll asked for confirmation that the bids are valid for 90 days.
The City Manager answered in the affirmative.
Jerry Shipman spoke about the new or renovated Fire Facility and City Hall. He stated that at last months Council Meeting he had asked, not demanded, as one newspaper reported, if the issue will be placed before the residents to vote on. He stated that he was told that it could not be discussed because it was not on the Agenda. Mr. Shipman noted that he then asked how he could get it on the Agenda so the residents will know if they get to vote on the issue or not. There was no response to that question. Another statement made was that they donÕt have all of the answers yet. There are many questions that need to be answered. One concern in the Community is that residents do not know what is happening and do not seem to have a part in anything and there is a reluctance of officials to discuss this. How do we get this on the Agenda so the residents know if they will get to vote on this issue.
Mayor Douglas stated that he thought there would be an update on what has been determined and does not think any decisions have been made on which options will be followed. Mayor Douglas stated that he was of the opinion that any use of the residentÕs money would have to go to a vote.
Anne Cote¢ invited everyone to the second annual Great Earth Walk fundraiser to be held on Saturday, September 24, 2005. This event is sponsored by Hills for Everyone and is designed to raise awareness of the Puente – Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor on National Public Lands Day. It is a free event, but we will be accepting tax deductible donations, both on line and at the Heights location. There will be a 6:00 A.M. Dog Walk, a 7:00 A.M. Conditioning Hike and an 8:00 A.M. Naturalist Hike. We will meet at the Horse Corral at Fullerton off Harbor. If you would like more information you can use the website at www.hillsforeveryone.org or call me at 697-0460.
Ann Eaton, Hacienda Road, stated that trails are wonderful, but they have to be maintained. Ms. Eaton explained that there is a trail on the east side of Hacienda Road coming up from Colima. She stated that there is an underpass from the west side of Hacienda Road to the east side near the temple. It comes up to the Habitat area but it is now completely impassible.
Ms. Eaton noted that the City is not taking care of their weeds. She mentioned the land that we are buying at Hacienda Road and West Road. Recently there was a big fire in Pomona. Fire is very frightening and the City does need to keep its weeds down. The Habitat Authority has high weeds also. Ms. Eaton asked what was happening with the Hacienda Road repair.
Mayor Douglas stated that it would be in a report tonight.
5. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS – JULY 2005
Councilmember Klein offered a motion to receive and file (approve) the Warrants for July 2005 in the amount of $350,246.91. The motion was seconded by Mayor Douglas and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6. TREASURERÕS REPORT – JUNE 30, 2005
The TreasurerÕs Report consisted of:
LAIF CityÕs Investment Account
Bank of New York Cash with Fiscal Agent
Bank of America Business Checking Account
Petty Cash Disaster/Emergency Fund
Councilmember Klein offered a motion to receive and file the June 30, 2005 TreasurerÕs Report as presented. The motion was seconded by Mayor Douglas and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council of June 9, 2005.
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council of July 14, 2005.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap questioned the name in Roll Call, Lieutenant Mike Claus as she did not recognize it.
Lieutenant Ault verified that the name was correct.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap corrected the name of the person making the second Public Comment on page three. It should be ÒLaraÓ not ÒLauraÓ.
Mayor Douglas noted that on the bottom of page six it mentioned that the new Parks and Recreation Commission terms should be staggered. He asked if this was taken care of.
City Manager Hendrickson noted that it had not been at this time.
Mayor Douglas stated that we do want to take care of that.
Mayor Douglas stated that on page eight at the beginning we talked about what our record retention policy is. He asked if that has been determined.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that it has been discussed.
Mayor Douglas stated that he would like a copy of the policy.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap commented that Councilmember Klein had asked if we had to expand who can participate in the Garden Harvest.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that City Attorney Levin would answer that later.
Mayor Douglas asked when we will have to go back to the residents for another five-year Public Works Program on the Roads.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that we have one more year on the present program. He stated that the Council does not have to go back for another program but if you want to continue the maintenance in perpetuity, you can do it at any time.
Mayor Douglas commented that he would like to have this agendized in the next few months so the Council can decide if they want to maintain our roads in perpetuity and how we will pay for it. You can also ask the Public Works Committee to recommend this. Then we can take care of this at an appropriate time.
Mayor Douglas stated that we also asked if the bills for paramedic services that were not paid had been sent to collection agencies. Has that happened yet?
City Manager Hendrickson noted that they still have not determination on these..
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of June 9, 2005 as corrected and the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of July 14, 2005 as presented. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
8. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ITEM 8.a. BE ACTED UPON BY MOTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL UNLESS SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION IS REQUESTED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER OR A MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE.
8.a. HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MONTHLY REPORT
July 2005 Status Report for Heights Christian School.
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to receive and file. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Bergman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PLAN
To self-certify the City of La Habra Heights by conforming with the Congestion Management Program Local Development Report requirements set forth by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Senior Management Analyst Klahejian noted that the recommendation of Staff is for the Council to adopt the attached Resolution No. 05-20:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THE CITY TO BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONGESTION MANGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP) AND ADOPTING THE CMP LOCAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089.
Ms. Klahejian explained that there is a correction on the Ò2004 Deficiency Plan SummaryÓ. It should read Ò12 unitsÓ, not Ò13Ó.
Ms. Klahejian explained that under the Congestion Management Program, the City must self-certify its compliance by September 1st each year. The City is not required to calculate debits and credits this year. However, the City has a positive balance. This information is required for cities in Los Angeles County and is provided to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to determine transit improvements at the time activity takes place.
Ms. Klahejian reported that the state-mandated CMP was enacted by legislature to implement Proposition 111 in June of 1990, which requires using gas tax funds to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The MTA is the agency responsible for the administration of the CMP.
Ms. Klahejian continued noting that the CMP requires the City to monitor development activity and transportation improvements. Development activity is associated with debits and transportation improvements that generate credits. The intent is to balance the two factors. Those jurisdictions with a negative balance are in non-compliance with the CMP that may result in the withholding of gas tax revenues or determine eligibility for transportation grant funds. This is why we demonstrate that the City complies with the requirements of the CMP.
There were no Public Comments made on this Item.
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to adopt Resolution 05-20 approving the Congestion Management Program as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein.
Mayor Douglas noted that there was a typographical error in the Resolution where ÒCMP statueÓ should be changed to ÒCMP statuteÓ.
The motion was approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
OLD BUSINESS
10. REQUEST TO PURCHASE WITH CLEEP FUNDS A PORTABLE SURVEILLANCE CAMERA SYSTEM AND RADAR SPEED SIGNS
Items requested by the City and recommended by the Sheriff Department to aid law enforcement.
Sheriff Lieutenant Ault reported that this Item is being brought back by request of the Council at their last meeting. The proposal includes the purchase of two Driver Feedback Radar Speed Signs to be placed on Hacienda Road and East Road and a Surveillance Camera System for The Park. Lieutenant Ault made a correction on page two. She stated that the 36-Inch Solar Sign should be $28,188.
Lieutenant Ault noted that at last months Council Meeting the Council wanted to know the balance in the CLEEP fund. She stated that the balance is $160,000.
City Manager Hendrickson commented that $160,000 is the COPS balance. He stated that the CLEEP balance is $59,222.54.
Lieutenant Ault explained that the only difference in the Radar Speed Signs is the size. You might be able to see the 36-inch sign from farther away, but that probably will not serve any purpose in this case.
Councilmember Carroll noted that he has not seen the two portable radar units that we have for some time.
Lieutenant Ault explained that one had been inoperable and was recently repaired. She stated that she would have to check on why the other one has not been on the street.
Councilmember Klein asked what the maintenance cost is for the signs.
Lieutenant Ault stated that if she remembers correctly it was about $1500.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that the information states that a 1-year service agreement is $800 per sign. He noted that that money would probably not come from CLEEP but from operational.
Councilmember Klein stated that he would like to try one 24-inch sign and see if it really slows traffic down and then decide if we want a second sign.
Mayor Douglas asked Lieutenant Ault if she has any input from other cities as to the effectiveness of these signs.
Lieutenant Ault stated that Whittier PD is very satisfied with their signs. They have about 30 signs in their City.
Mayor Douglas asked if after 30 days they still are effective.
Lieutenant Ault stated that the signs seem to maintain their effectiveness. The sales representative stated that the signs can be programmed to go on and off at different times so it does not become predictable.
Councilmember Carroll suggested that they wait until Whittier has their signs for a year and then evaluate them and save our money now.
Lieutenant Ault explained that Whittier has had their signs since 2002 and they are satisfied that they are useful.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap asked who would reprogram the signs when needed.
Lieutenant Ault explained that the Sheriff Department could do it. They were trained to program the signs.
Councilmember Carroll stated that in his opinion the signs would not still be effective after people become accustomed to them.
Councilmember Klein stated that Lieutenant Ault was going to e-mail the location of the camera set-up in Whittier, but that never happened. Councilmember Klein stated that he has received information on a new digital flash cam from Q Star.
Lieutenant Ault stated that she does not have any information on that, but she has been advised that the City of Industry has purchased two. She stated that she will look into them when they are installed.
Councilmember Klein stated that they might want to look at both kinds before they make a decision on the camera. He stated that he still wants to know the location of the camera in Whittier.
Councilmember Bergman stated that he would like more information on the service as that seems very high for what they might have to do.
The Commission discussed whether having the service policy was worthwhile.
Lieutenant Ault commented that she spoke to the City of Whittier in January and they have had no maintenance problems, but they have their own staff trained in electronics. She further stated that the 3M CompanyÕs service agreement covers one preventative maintenance trip a year and replacement of batteries as needed (they have a 4-year life). They will replace any parts needed. Non service agreement calls are charged at $200 per hour including travel and repair time.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap asked how high the signs would be and if the radar signs could be used to back up a ticket or if the officers still need to use their radar.
Lieutenant Ault stated that how high the sign would be would depend on where it is. Their staffers will come out and adjust the sign. The officers would still have to use their radar guns. They could not rely on the signs.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap asked if the message on the signs can be changed.
Lieutenant Ault stated that although it does not have that purpose, it can be set to say Òslow nowÓ.
Councilmember Klein offered a motion to order one 24-inch radar speed sign with a maintenance agreement. The motion was seconded by Mayor Douglas.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap asked who was going to determine the location of the sign.
Lieutenant Ault stated that they are considering three locations; on Hacienda Road near The Park, both northbound and southbound, and on East road near Coban, probably westbound. She stated that they would want to check with the City Engineer also.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap asked if the City of Whittier or the 3M Company representative gave any information about how portable the signs are.
Lieutenant Ault noted that the representative did say they were not intended to be portable. We picked the solar ones because they would be easier to move. It is anchored in cement and the pole would not be moved. We could just take the sign and move it and it would be re-calibrated at its new site.
The motion was approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: Carroll
ABSENT: None
Councilmember Carroll asked for a recap of the information they would be getting.
Councilmember Klein noted that the cameras will come back on the next Agenda.
Lieutenant Ault stated that she would e-mail the location of the camera in Whittier. She stated that she will check and verify with Whittier regarding their productivity and efficacy as well as any maintenance issues they may have had. She commented that she will keep in touch with the City of Industry on the signs they are getting.
Councilmember Klein stated that the Council can wait until Industry has theirs installed and take a look at them then.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap asked what would be the delivery time on the signs.
Lieutenant Ault explained that it would probably be four to six weeks depending on how fast they get the order and fill it.
11. AMENDMENT TO CITY MANAGERÕS CONTRACT
Item 11 was pulled.
12. HORSE ANNOUNCERÕS BOOTH PROJECT
Item 12 was pulled.
NEW BUSINESS
13. APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN COUNTY ORTHOGRAPHIC PROJECT
Item 13 was pulled.
14. CHANGE OCTOBER CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE
Inasmuch as the City Council meeting falls on the beginning of Yom Kippur, the City Manager is recommending that City Council move its regular meeting to October 20th, 2005.
Mayor Douglas asked if this date is agreeable to everyone.
Councilmember Bergman offered a motion to move the October Council Meeting to October 20, 2005. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
15. CITY MANAGERÕS REPORT
City Manager Hendrickson reported on the condition of the repair of Hacienda Road at the top where there has been some movement of the ground. It is now blocked off so traffic will not put any pressure on the area. He stated that we have had two investigations by a Geotechnical firm and their conclusion is that it is not moving significantly. Mr. Hendrickson stated that the City has noticed a little more widening of the cracks in the area. We have been slowed down on this repair because of the funding from FEMA. The estimate of the cost of the repair may be as high as one million dollars. At the end of the FEMA review they indicated that Hacienda Road is still designated as a FHWA and referred us to Federal Highway Administration. It took them about 60 days to determine that Hacienda Road would be eligible for aid. Federal Highway will pick up about 80% of the cost and OES will probably pick up 15%. To go ahead with another Geotechnical or engineering inspection would cost $40,000. We have to have several borings taken at the site to know the exact extent of the slippage. We have been advised that the road will have to be closed for 5 or 6 days at the time of repair. Mr. Hendrickson stated that he has asked them to give us a two-week notice for the closing. This will give us time to notify the cities around us, the Highway Patrol, law enforcement and the public. Mr. Hendrickson stated that they are not considering making a detour through our city. Cal Trans administers the Federal Highway Administration. Our goal is to have all of the analysis done prior to the end of September. We will hope to put out the bid for the repair by the end of the year. The repair of the road at West and Hacienda is not near as expensive, but we are trying to pre-qualify that repair with FHWA in order for them to pick up 80% of the engineering costs.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that they have had problems getting letters out to landowners to clear the edges of the roadways. Since March we have been learning how to use the citation process and we have begun to get better response. The AttorneyÕs office indicated that the weed abatement notice covers the roadside clearance also and we may go through the same process we do for weed abatement ending up on the tax roll if ignored. The ordinances we already have should cover this situation and we will handle this situation the same as Weed Abatement.
Councilmember Carroll asked about the City taking care of the property we are buying at West and Hacienda Road.
City Manager Hendrickson answered that the City has not received the title to that land as yet. Mr. Hendrickson also explained that the trail Mrs. Eaton mentioned on Hacienda Road does not belong to the City, it belongs to the County. He stated that he has pressed the County several times to maintain that trail. Mr. Hendrickson stated that he intends to pursue Weed Abatement of city property this month.
Councilmember Carroll commented that the Council received a letter with some questions. The letter mentions that on the City website there are no e-mail addresses or phone numbers for the Councilmembers.
Mr. Hendrickson answered that there are some technical problems with the website. He noted that he has suspended the company developing the website. The improvement of the website will be taken care of.
Councilmember Carroll asked if the draft ordinances can be posted on the website.
Mr. Hendrickson stated that it is not possible in the present situation. It will be when we get it corrected. He stated that it should be corrected by the next Council meeting.
Mayor Douglas commented that the website presently canÕt even have a meeting date.
Mayor Douglas asked if there is anything the City Attorney can say about progress on the wall at 707 Dorothea.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that they have made a new application and have brought in a grading plan today and we will review that.
Councilmember Carroll asked when the Planning Commission will be dealing with the draft ordinances.
Mr. Hendrickson noted that they are scheduled for August 30 and September 6, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.
Councilmember Klein asked that the gate be secured on the property at West and Hacienda Road.
City Attorney Levin explained that we can put a lock on it with the understanding that County has the permission to remove it if so desired.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that they had talked to the County some time ago and asked to put their red fire lock on the gate. We got permission and twice someone cut the lock off.
Councilmember Klein suggested we talk to the Sheriff and if they see the gate open and anyone in there they should stop and talk to them.
City Manager Hendrickson presented a status report on his progress on review and evaluation of the Fire Department and City Hall project. He understood that the Council wanted him to bring back how the property at West Road and Hacienda Road might be developed and if there are any potential issues or problems, the estimated costs, whether or not the cost in the initial report might have some merit on the range of cost, whether or not there are any issues that might come up under CEQA and where the funds are going to come from.
Mr. Hendrickson stated that since this report was on the West Road/Hacienda Road site, I have looked at what we could do with the present site to help us offset the initial cost. The initial study by a certified appraiser was, depending on what is done, between $400,000 and $1,750,000 revenue. There is also the issue of AB2348, which requires us to designate by parcel, those that can be used for low to moderate income housing. The present City Hall site might be possible for that use. There is a good possibility that a very substantial amount of funding could be raised from the development of this property.
Mr. Hendrickson stated that he had an initial report and Biota report done on the 3-acre Hacienda site. This is part of the CEQA report and it is basically a clean report. He stated that he has also met with several architectural firms to see what they would charge to supply us with an initial site analysis sketch, and the cost depending on the materials used. They all agreed that the cost the Engineer came up with at the Town Hall Meeting was not out of line, but it would depend on the materials used.
Mr. Hendrickson stated that he was going to pursue the architectural side of this and try to come up with some options to look at along with the cost.
Mr. Hendrickson stated that he is nearing the financial limit the Council gave him to spend on this and in September he might have to come back and ask how far they want him to go.
City Manager Hendrickson explained that they have hired a temporary Assistant Planner to help in the Planning Department as Barbara Doppieri has been under doctorÕs orders for the last two weeks and work is backed up quite a bit.
Mr. Hendrickson noted that the website situation will be straightened out soon.
16. CITY ATTORNEYÕS REPORT
City Attorney Levin stated that she had nothing to report.
17. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORÕS REPORT
There was no report from the Community Development Director.
City Manager Hendrickson noted that Barbara Doppieri usually prepares this.
18. CITY ENGINEERÕS REPORT
There is no City EngineerÕs report.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that both Mr. Cayir and Melicher are out.
Mayor Douglas noted that we should have a company that can provide someone for us. He stated that there have been a lot of complaints from people about some of the Public Works projects and lack of progress and I would like to talk to a City Engineer about this.
Mr. Hendrickson stated that the Deputy Engineer is not prepared to give this type of report. He stated that he intends to talk to Mr. Cayir when he gets back.
Mr. Hendrickson noted that he also intended to mention that we received some of the funds for road repair but since the repair was over $25,000 it will have to go out for bid. This has slowed us down.
19. FIRE CHIEFÕS REPORT
Fire Chief Nielsen reported that yesterday there was a fire on West Road in some palm trees caused by wind blowing them against Edison wires. He stated that Edison called him this morning to say that they will be trimming trees on West Road as they saw more trees there that were dangerously rubbing against wires.
Mayor Douglas asked if Chief Nielsen could address what we heard earlier about LA County Fire doing work in Powder Canyon.
Fire Chief Nielsen explained that there are several fire breaks throughout the Canyon and County Fire usually takes care of them, however they did some damage to some trees and species that they should not have touched. We are concerned with keeping the brush cleared within 200 feet of any structures and the Habitat Authority has met this requirement so far. We have not required them to cut their weeds on the open land.
Mayor Douglas commended the Fire Department on their work on two structure fires. He noted that they had two firemen taken to the hospital with heat exhaustion.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap stated that the graphs provided for citations are very nice, but one per month should be enough.
20. SHERIFFÕS DEPARTMENT REPORT
Lieutenant Ault commented that their systems cycle does not coincide with the due date for the Council packet so you will see an incomplete report and then on the day of the Council meeting I can provide a complete report on the previous month.
Councilmember Carroll asked Lieutenant Ault to run through some of the big numbers and make an explanation of the main categories.
Lieutenant Ault explained that Hazardous Citations for the month of July were 133. This would cover any moving violation or anything other than equipment violations or registration. Non-Hazardous Citations were 20. Traffic Collisions were 5 and no DUI Citations. Emergency Calls (lights and siren) were 3. Non-Emergent Calls were 17 and 114 Self-Initiated Calls.
Mayor Douglas explained that the timing of the report is not critical to him. He stated that if it is late or she wants to roll it off for a month to meet the reporting schedule that is fine. We would just like to see the pattern of the reports.
Lieutenant Ault stated that the Council would probably get the August report in October. That will get us back on the cycle.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap stated that she should continue to let the Council know of anything major.
Councilmember Carroll asked if she had any idea in what part of the City the citations occur.
Lieutenant Ault noted that she could let the Council know what reporting districts they come from and she could provide them with a map showing how the City is divided into five districts.
Mayor Douglas asked if the SheriffÕs Department has been able to talk to any of the problem bicyclists in the west side of the Heights.
Lieutenant Ault stated that one of the Deputies had been able to speak to a group of about ten, some of which had gone through the stop sign on West Road. The following week he watched again and the whole group came to a stop at the sign. Ms. Ault noted that she was going to leave on vacation and would not be back until September 12, 2005. In her absence, contact Lieutenant Claus or Captain Smith at the station.
21. COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
City Manager Hendrickson stated that the Senior Management Analyst requested that he remind everyone that the Garage Sale will be at The Park on September 17, 2005, also on October 15, 2005 there will be the Holiday Boutique/Car Show. The Commission would be very glad to have some more volunteers to work with them. Contact Lara Klahejian at City Hall if you can help in any way. Mr. Hendrickson noted that he had received the resignation of Mariellen Ross from the new Parks and Recreation Commission. No reason was given.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap asked if there are still spaces open for the Garage Sale.
Mr. Hendrickson stated he has no information on that. .
COUNCIL DELEGATE REPORTS
Mayor Douglas noted that he had attended the JPIA election of officers.
Mayor Pro Tem Millsap commented that Councilmember Bergman may want to consider going to the League Meeting in San Francisco in October.
Councilmember Bergman stated that he would probably be available for that.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA AND NOT ON THE AGENDA
Kathy Sauble commented that it was of the utmost importance that during the time Hacienda Road is closed, parents of children, who ride the school buses that will be affected, be notified. Some of the parents leave for work before their children leave for school and parents do not always receive notices from their children.
City Manager Hendrickson stated that they intend to notify everyone. We donÕt know the date yet, but we will make a general notice that it will happen within thirty days, which we should do now.
Mayor Douglas adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session at 9:49 and he stated that they will return to adjourn the meeting.
Mayor Douglas reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 10:49 P.M.
City Attorney Levin stated that there was no reportable action from the Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Douglas adjourned the City Council Meeting at 10:50 P.M. to the next City Council Meeting on September 8, 2005.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK, JOHN F. HENDRICKSON