CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2007
The City Council/Agency finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the local agency in the litigation.
Existing Litigation:
G.C. 54956.9(a)
Name of Case: Dean Smith v. City of La Habra Heights, Case No. VC 047381
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Tela Millsap called the Regular City Council Meeting of February 8, 2007 to order at 7:37 P.M. Mayor Millsap stated that they have just come out of Closed Session and asked the City Attorney if there was anything to report.
City Attorney Sandra Levin noted that there was no reportable action taken.
2. ROLL CALL
Those present: Mayor Tela Millsap, Mayor Pro Tem Brian Bergman, and Councilmembers Stan Carroll, Bruce Douglas and Fred Klein.
Staff present: City Attorney Sandra Levin, City Manager Ronald Bates, Community Development Director Justin Powers, Fire Chief John Nielsen, Fire Marshal Ken Hill, Finance Director Freddie Vernon Vega and Sheriff Lieutenant Michael Claus.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Millsap led the flag salute.
á Public Works Committee, Chairman Jerry Shipman.
Chairman Shipman noted that work on Zone 5 maintenance is on schedule. We will propose a new Assessment particularly for berms and drains to keep water from undermining the roads. The Assessment will come before you for approval early this summer. We need to do tests to see what problems exist on Las Palomas to work on it.
á Emergency Preparedness Committee, Chairperson Kathy Sauble.
Chairperson Sauble stated that the theme for this month is landslides. Bushes and trees are affected by landslides. Mudslides are especially dangerous. Have plans for your family and pets ahead of time. Watch for any geological changes. Listen to your radio for health and safety information. Ms. Sauble reported that the Emergency Preparedness Committee is planning a Community Fun Day at The Park on April 14, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If interested in participating contact Kathy Sauble at 697-8819.
á Vector Control District: Susan Kluh, Vector Ecologist.
Ms. Kluh noted that West Nile Virus (WNV) is mainly carried by mosquitoes in this area and birds are the main hosts although humans, dogs and horses are susceptible to it. Humans do not infect others. She noted that standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Ms. Kluh noted that it is important to control back yards and avoid standing water. She noted that there have been many less cases of human WNV in 2006.
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, commended Councilmember Douglas for the tremendous amount of time he has spent for the city over the years.
Vincent P. Gomez, stated that he was running for the City Council and stated that his platform was to leave The Park alone, no new City Hall and build a portable fire station at the current site. He noted the Candidates Forum, which will be Tuesday, February 13, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Layne Baroldi, Reposado Drive, stated that he is running for City Council and requested that everyone should look at the Candidates for their merits and not rely on unsubstantiated flyers and recommended that everyone come to the Candidates Forum.
George Edwardz, Fullerton Road, asked the residents to watch for the Candidates Forum on his website, www.HeightsVote2007.com. He also noted that the issues are stated on www.firestationyes and www.nonewcityhall. Mr. Edwardz read minutes stating that Fred Klein, Carol Engelhardt and Claire Spothelfer were Councilmembers who voted in 1998 for four fire stations throughout the City. What happened to the plans to build these fire stations? He mentioned the importance of the ISA rating of the Fire Department.
Howard Vipperman, stated that he is running for City Council, and that the last day to register to vote is February 19, 2007 and the last day to request an absentee vote is February 27, 2007. Mr. Vipperman also asked for people to attend the Candidates Forum. He stated that he wants to represent the Community, supports the General Plan to keep the Community unchanged and is opposed to the AERA project. Mr. Vipperman stated that he is a fiscal conservative and understands finances. He stated he would provide coffee at the Hacienda Golf Club Friday night 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Norm Zezula, noted that the creation of La Habra Heights was the work of many. He mentioned the fight Tom Higgs put up to help incorporate the City. His many years of volunteer service were for love of the City. He died last month and we will miss him. Mr. Zezula commented that Vincent P. Gomez just finished his CERT training.
0:33:33
5. CITY MANAGERS REPORT
City Manager Bates stated that Sample Ballots and voter information has been sent out to the resident voters. Absentee ballots will be sent out next week. The ballots and information can be obtained in Chinese. He noted the Candidates Forum on February 13 and mentioned that both a digital copy and a tape copy would be provided. The polling place will be in this room on March 6, 2007.
City Manager Bates stated that three new members have been interviewed and appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee and there is room for one more Alternate.
City Manager Bates explained that on March 8 there will be a Regular City Council Meeting and a reorganization meeting with the new Council members on March 22.
City Manager Bates reported that we will be forming a letter pointing out the constraints we have in meeting the SCAG requirements for housing, such as slide areas, sewers, and single lane roads. They have reduced our RENA requirements from 387 units to 116 units and we hope that they may reduce it some more.
6. CITY ATTORNEYŐS REPORT
The City Attorney had no further report.
7. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
The Community Development Director noted that there is a new and improved form for building activity.
8. FIRE CHIEFŐS REPORT
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he would like to speak on a few additional items. Chief Nielsen mentioned that with the addition of Mr. Gomez the City now has 16 residents certified in the CERT program. He stated that the Fire Marshal and his crew watch for standing water in the Community that might cause West Nile Virus problems. Chief Nielsen also reported that progress is being made on a draft for a written agreement for automatic aid with the LA County Fire Department.
City Manager Bates explained that the Automatic Aid agreement would be a two-way agreement, with each party providing needed aid to the other.
Chief Nielsen stated that Class 40 of the Academy will start on February 23, 2007. From 158 applicants we now have 11 ready to start the class.
9. SHERIFFŐS DEPARTMENT REPORT
The SheriffŐs report included a quarterly report of crime statistics and the percentage they have gone up or down.
Lieutenant Claus explained that many of the residential burglaries are at construction sites.
Fire Chief Nielsen commented that he spoke to the Director of the Trauma Center at UCI, who commented that that we have had a few collisions that could have been fatal if not for our good paramedics.
0:44:34
It is recommended that Items 10 through 20 be acted upon simultaneously by one motion of the City Council unless separate discussion and/or action on an item is requested by a City Council Member or a member of the public.
Councilmember Carroll asked to pull Items 16 and 19 for discussion.
Members of the public asked that Items 14, 15, 17 be pulled.
City Attorney Levin explained that on Item 18 that there is a revised Resolution which is new and improved.
10. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS – January 2007
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
11. TREASURERŐS REPORT – December 2006
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
12. HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MONTHLY REPORT
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and File
13. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 11, 2007
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
18. ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: That Council adopt Resolution 2007-03 declaring weeds on improved and unimproved parcels as a nuisance and declaring an intention to abate them; approve the Legal Notice setting May 1st as the deadline for all weed removal; and hold a public hearing at the March 8th City Council meeting to hear objections from property owners on the proposed removal of weeds.
20. 2006 ANNUAL ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAM COMPLETION
RECOMMENDATION: That Council accepts the work performances by Hardy & Harper, Inc. under the CityŐs Standard Contract, entitled ŇAnnual Maintenance ProjectÓ as being substantially complete per the Plans and Specification. Authorize City Staff to file the ŇNotice of CompletionÓ with the County RecorderŐs Office and thirty-five (35) days thereafter authorize the City Manager to make the final 10% retention payment.
City Attorney Levin commented that the Resolution for Item 18 was a new and improved version of last yearŐs Resolution for the Weed Abatement Program.
Councilmember Carroll moved to adopt Agenda Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 18-with the revised Resolution 2007-03 as amended and Item 20. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
14. AUTHORIZATION FOR PURCHASE OF HYBRID VEHICLE WITH AQMD AB2766 FUNDS
RECOMMENDATION: That Council authorize the City Manager to purchase a hybrid pick-up truck for the Public Works Division as the best available price not to exceed $40,000 including truck accessories such as suspension upgrade, hitch, bed liner, light bar, lock storage, and ladder rack.
Stan Quade, Encanada, spoke about how grant money is spent. He noted times that grant money was only spent because we could spend it and not wisely. He suggested that we spend $2,500 of the CityŐs money on a trailer and use the truck we already have.
Councilmember Carroll asked Staff to report on this item.
Bruce Barrette, Public Works Manager, explained that the one truck they now have, recently broke down for two weeks so they could not do any work. There are two full time workers and one part time worker. We are hoping to have one more helper. If there are two trucks they could be working on two problems at once. He felt it was needed. This is the only manufacturer of the full size truck. When we add the needed accessories, it will probably be about $31,000.
Councilmember Carroll discussed various items about the truck with Mr. Barrette.
Councilmember Klein noted that in order to get the grant, they would have to get everything through the dealer. They would want to use it as a pickup and not load it too heavily. He also thought it should have an extended warranty.
Mr. Barrette noted that the warranty is 100,000-mile warranty for 5 years.
City Manager Bates explained that there is often need for a second truck.
Mayor Millsap expressed her approval of using the grant money for this purpose.
Councilmember Carroll offered a motion to approve the purchase of the hybrid vehicle with AQMD grant money. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
15. LA HABRA HEIGHTS COUNTY WATER DISTRICT RESERVOIR NO. 9 PROJECT; VACATION OF STREET-RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR SKYLINE DRIVE, ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate an appropriate agreement to facilitate the project and return the proposed agreement to the City Council for action.
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, noted that this requires an amendment of the General Plan for the status of the Habitat Authority land and a zone change and the Water District should be required to make a conforming lot according to slope density and development standards. They will need to apply for a Standards Modification and Variance. They should not get a waiver of City codes and standards. This should be processed through the Planning Commission and City Council with public review. He stated that the Water District might consider cutting down the impact of the tank by partial burial. Mr. Blagden suggested that they use an encroachment permit rather than the City giving away their Street-Right-of-Way property. He stated that the water tank at the other end of Skyline Trail is built on a map landslide. They should investigate the safety of this. They should also provide the Fire Department with keys to the hydrants at the upper tanks in case of wildfires. The 50-foot wall should be landscaped to screen the area. They could provide landscaping at some of the other tanks and there are several other things they could provide.
Mayor Millsap noted that Item 15 is just authorizing the City Manager to negotiate an appropriate agreement with the Water District and gives the City Manager time to consider Mr. Blagdens concerns.
City Manager Bates commented that the Water District staff has been very cooperative to work with the City. He stated that the tank overlaps the area of the present tank and would be cut into the hill. We can consider all of Mr. Blagdens ideas.
City Attorney Levin confirmed that the authorization for the City Manager to move ahead with negotiations does not approve any part of the project and the Water District will have to go through all of the proper approvals that are required.
Councilmember Carroll moved to approve Item 15. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Douglas and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
16. ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. (ESRI, INC.) GIS SERVER SOFTWARE
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $5,500 and authorize the City Manager to enter into the license agreement with ESRI.
Councilmember Carroll asked for a Staff Report on this item.
Community Development Director Powers explained that this is the software for the GIS system. We just received the data layers from the County and we have received a grant that funded the plotter and the GIS server. The software is what we need to pull it all together. They have also discounted the price from $20,000. They will charge $5,000 for maintenance for the second year, and we will renegotiate that at the time.
Councilmember Carroll stated that before he would approve this he would like to see the big picture and what the cost might be in the end.
Councilmember Douglas stated how important the use of the software would be to the ways we can use the data.
City Manager Bates stated that we will have to make up the septic reports and NPDES information for the County.
Councilmember Carroll stated that he would like to see a demonstration of what we have now.
Mayor Millsap asked if this would eventually expand to the Fire Department and Public Works and so they will be able to take it out mobile.
Community Development Director (CDD) Powers stated that thatŐs what they want to have happen.
Mayor Pro Tem Bergman stated that he didnŐt see how we could do without this software.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that the software would be very helpful with the weed abatement and pre-fire planning.
Councilmember Douglas moved to approve as recommended. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bergman and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: Carroll
ABSENT: None
City Manager Bates stated that once it is installed the CDD will give a demonstration.
17. ANNEXATION OF THREE (3) HOMES LOCATED IN LA HABRA HEIGHTS INTO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL IN EXCHANGE FOR LHH PROPERTY TAX REVENUE
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve Annexation No. 18-51 (Resolution No. 2007-02)
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, stated that in his opinion sewer systems encourage unrestrained development. This also seems to take away our ability to prohibit second units. The Health Code could require others within 200 feet to hook up at a large cost. If the septic systems have not failed they should stay on them.
City Manager Bates explained that the City does have a sewer system that is maintained by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District that totals 2.4 miles. It is long enough that we are required under State direction, to make a Sewer System Master Plan, which has to be done by November of 2007. That will outline what the ultimate number of connections would be allowable to our current sewer system. Mr. Bates noted that this switch was coming as a request by the homeowners.
Norm Zezula asked if this was allowed. IsnŐt it a violation of the General Plan.
Councilmember Carroll moved to approve the annexation of three parcels into the Los Angeles County Sanitation District for sewage disposal. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein, and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
18. RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY TRAILS CONNECTION PLAN GRANT (RMC3604) AND LSA CONSULTING AGREEMENT
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the grant agreement number RMC3604 between the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and the City. Also, approve the scope of services for consulting service to LSA Association, Inc. and authorize the City Manager to sign an agreement in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
CDD Powers stated that this is a planning grant from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC). Their goal is to connect regional trails and we are a critical interlink between LA County and Orange County trails systems. We have met with representatives RMC and they have looked at our situation with the Schabarum Trail. We will work with LSA Associates as a consulting service and will be working closely with the Habitat Authority and our Parks and Recreation Committee.
Councilmember Carroll asked how CDD Powers was led to LSA Associates, Inc., since this did not go through any bidding process.
Community Development Director Powers explained that RMC was in a hurry to get this grant completed and we knew that LSA Associates had worked with the Habitat Authority for their Master Plan.
Councilmember Douglas noted that we have been talking about getting trails for more safety for several years and this is a good first step.
City Attorney Levin clarified that going out to bid was a policy issue and was not required for a professional consultant.
Councilmember Carroll stated that he would like to see this go out to bid.
Judy Hathaway Francis, stated that she has worked with LSA for the last four years with the Habitat Authority and when the studies were finished the Habitat Authority brought in another group to validate what LSA had done and they passed with flying colors.
Mayor Pro Tem Bergman moved to approve agreement number RMC3604 with RMC and the scope of services for consulting service to LSA. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Douglas.
Mayor Millsap commented that she would like to move forward with this as the Parks and Recreation Committee has been working on trails for some time.
The motion was approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman Douglas Klein and Millsap
NOES: Carroll
ABSENT: None
1:55:41
OLD BUSINESS
21. FIRE STATION/CITY HALL COMPLEX
RECOMMENDATION: That Council select either the Hacienda at West site or the Current site for the construction of the new Fire Station; direct staff to begin the environmental review process on the Site selected; direct staff to consider all building construction and various financing methods to reduce cost; and work with Edison to establish the appropriate Under-Grounding District and return a District proposal to Council for action.
City Manager Bates presented a brief summation of what has been done. He noted that they have talked to TGR Geotechnical, who was able to develop a less costly method of mitigating the soft soils problem at the Hacienda at West site. We were able to reduce the cost by $900,000. We had WLC Architects look at the report and they agreed with the method of mitigation. We also had WLC look at the current site and were able to reduce the cost by $300,000, having to do with some of the under-grounding requirements by Edison. Although we did not go into further narrative on the Park site, it still is the most cost effective, then Hacienda/West and last the current site. We looked at Fire Protection from both sites and parking at both sites. We considered the building layout and parcel shape for the current site. Construction could be started almost immediately at Hacienda/West. It would be more complicated and take at least a year to get construction started at the current site.
Kelly Needham, WLC, stated that they have looked at a number of scenarios throughout the City and we have had a different geotechnical engineer look at the Hacienda/West site and he has come up with a less costly way to stabilize the ground. Mr. Needham stated that he looked at the current site extensively and in his opinion it just is not big enough to get both the Fire Department and City Hall along with enough parking onto it. This is not even considering the problem of running the Fire Department while it is redone. We have recently seen construction costs come down, so this is a good time to get started.
Councilmember Carroll asked about the scale of the Fire Department according to Attachment A.
Mr. Needham stated that the scale on the map may not be correct, but he thought the Fire Department was about 12,000 square feet.
Councilmember Carroll stated that he thought that we were going to work with 10,000 square feet.
Mr. Needham stated that even if you cut the number of bays down, the site would still be short on parking.
Councilmember Klein asked how many Fire Stations WLC has designed.
Mr. Needham noted that they have designed over 100.
Mayor Pro Tem Bergman discussed the new geotechnical solution with Mr. Needham.
Mr. Needham also commented that he had the new geotechnical recommendation reviewed by his Civil Engineer and his Structural Engineer and they both agreed that it would work.
Mayor Millsap opened the meeting for public comment on this item.
Roy Francis, Chota Road, suggested that the Council save the site selection until after the election as there will be at least one new member who should have say in this decision. There was no survey of the public by the Council. The Improvement Association did a survey and the results were that the majority want the Fire Station at the present site. Mr. Francis noted that if less expensive corrections are made and it affects the station, the people will pay; the site and size of the station needs to fit the community and what they can pay. Please listen to what the community has to say.
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, noted that the decision on the Fire Station has lingered on for years and now the Council has all the information they need and if they wait for the election they will have to take several steps backward. Taking The Park out of the consideration is not fiscally conservative. The residents should be aware of this. If the Fire Station was built on this site it would mean that the low-income housing would have to be built in the center of the City. Is the lower cost for site remediation correct? Mr. Blagden commented that two bays should probably be enough as multiple vehicles can be placed in one bay.
George Edwardz, Fullerton Road, stated that the City does not need a $8.1 million dollar City Hall complex or a $6.3 million dollar Fire Station. He stated that the Hacienda/West site is not one-quarter mile further than currently, but one-third mile further.
Howard Vipperman, Chota Road, stated that he knows a new Fire Station is needed, but he did not think the site should be voted on before the City Council election. The promised survey has not been done by the Council, the Hacienda/West site will increase the response time to the East and the West. The Automatic Aid is not in effect yet. He stated that the drawing provided for the Fire Station is extremely hard to understand and does not even have a correct scale. Mr. Vipperman stated that he is not sure that construction costs have gone down. If the Hacienda/West site is approved are we going to get a new City Hall also because the vote will be for the Fire Station/City Hall?
Karen Vipperman, Chota Road, stated that according to the cities organizational chart, the Community is first and under that is the City Council. She stated that the CouncilŐs responsibility is to listen to the Community and thought only one person on the Council is doing this.
Norm Zezula, spoke in favor of a fair and unbiased survey for the residents. This does not seem to be happening. Mr. Zezula questioned the requirement that the current site would have to have 80 parking spots.
Faith Grimm, stated that the diagram provided is not to scale; it is time to make a decision, but not tonight; on the current site they state the whole size and on Hacienda/West they state the useable size; the residents did not have enough time to understand or work with the material; the investigation of the current site should have been what would fit on the site, not the same thing that is designed for the Hacienda/West site. Ms. Grimm quoted the size of each building being used currently on the present site; we do need to do something about the fire station and City Hall, but what is suitable? Ms. Grimm listed major expenditures coming up for the City and asked if with only three million dollars saved up, is it wise to build an eight to ten million dollar complex of any kind? We would have to pay for loans somehow and we only have about 2,000 households in the City. Ms. Grimm noted that the Hacienda/West site does have some severe handicaps and the current site only seems to be opposed by Staff and Council. She stated that the numbers of the Fire Station size at the Hacienda/West site are also fuzzy as they do not include the bays. Ms. Grimm suggested several plans that would work for the current site. She stated that parking would be a lot better than the 28 spaces we have now.
City Manager Bates stated that if the Hacienda/West site is selected buildings could be constructed in steps. If the current site is selected and City Hall is moved to the school, it will be hard to keep the Fire Department running until the new one is built. We would probably get a 4-year lease on the building next door. Neither site would demand an immediate decision for the City Hall. The prices we have from two years ago are not relevant. We will investigate all areas to keep the cost down. Mr. Bates noted that we do have serious parking problems here at present. He explained how they arrived at the usable space on each site.
The Council discussed items questioned during Public Comment, the size of the Fire Station and whether or not to send out a survey on the site selection.
City Attorney Levin explained that the Council is only picking a site for further investigation. It is not a commitment to build anything or a commitment for a budget.
Fire Chief Nielsen explained that Los Angeles County is who we have Automatic Aid with. We may not have it on paper, but Fire Departments trust each other and do provide Automatic Aid as needed.
City Manager Bates noted that we are working on a formal agreement and I have the draft copy. This would cover simultaneous dispatch.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he is hoping that it will be finalized by the end of April.
Mayor Millsap called for an intermission at 10:37 p.m. and returned to the meeting at 10:54 p.m.
3:16:52
Ryan Wilson, firefighter/paramedic, stated that there are a lot of scare tactic type of rumors that get passed around and he cited an example, that stated that automatic aid worked on a call today perfectly without the written agreement. This has happened over and over. He also stated that the firemen need space to be trained in. We donŐt want to make a real call our training ground. Mr. Wilson was opposed to delaying decisions any longer.
Councilmember Carroll asked if the City Manager had talked to the Water District about using some of their property.
City Manager Bates commented that they had talked to the Executive Director of the Water District and they were willing to cooperate with us. They did not want it to cost them anything. This would delay things further, as we would have to work to get them a new place that wouldnŐt cost them anything.
The Councilmembers and staff discussed our low income housing requirements and the cost for it in relation to what is expected that we can sell the land for.
The Council consensus was to place the housing requirements on the Agenda for next month.
City Manager Bates explained the new costs for the three options, parking, and how soon building could be started from Attachment B.
Kelly Needham explained that from a Geotechnical standpoint, The Park offers the most choice to build on. Architecturally it could work well. He stated that the Hacienda/West site has a lot of Geotechnical hazards so in his opinion The Park would be easier. More parking could be developed at The Park.
Councilmember Klein stated that in his opinion the current site was too small for something that should last 50 years and he preferred Hacienda/West considering all items, would be the best choice. He stated that we also need a presentable City Hall. Mr. Klein stated that it seems The Park and the current site will not work so we do not need a survey.
Councilmember Klein stated that the City needs decent facilities for both the Fire Department and City Hall to get qualified people to work for the City. It can be done in phases if necessary. To get what we need, we have to build on the Hacienda/West site. We donŐt need a survey in this situation.
Councilmember Klein moved to choose the Hacienda/West site for the Fire Department/City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Bergman seconded the motion.
Nancy Acocks stated that she did not think a decision should be made tonight. She stated they need different solutions and canŐt afford the cost for what the Council wants.
Mr. Bergman commented that tonight we are only talking about site selection. With the change in the cost of the Geotechnical mitigation we have an $800,000 cost advantage on the Hacienda/West site. The current site is an inferior site and would cost more. He stated that in his opinion, it is not good to split the operation of the City Hall and the Fire Department. We have had much input that residents do not want The Park used.
City Manager Bates confirmed that the motion includes Recommendation 1-B, 2., 3., and 4.
Councilmember Klein and Mayor Pro Tem Bergman agreed.
Councilmember Douglas commented that he agreed with Councilmember KleinŐs assessment of the issues. We are willing to spend more to keep away from The Park. We have looked into the cost of contracting with LA County and it would be very costly to the residents.
Councilmember Carroll stated that he is not against the Hacienda/West site, but he will vote ŇnoÓ because he pledged to have a survey of the desires of the residents and this is not happening.
Mayor Millsap stated that since the professionals decided that the current site is not possible, that leaves nothing to survey. She felt the only choice left is the Hacienda/West site.
The motion was approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: Carroll
ABSENT: None
22. FULL-TIME FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER POSITION
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the Year-Round Weed Abatement Program and add one Full-Time Fire Prevention Officer position and eliminate two Part-Time Fire Inspection positions.
Fire Chief Nielsen reported that we have created an annual Weed Abatement Program and he proposed that he would like to add a Fire Prevention Officer to his staff. Chief Nielsen noted that the job would be to physically inspect property to insure that fire prevention codes are being adequately met as pertains to weed abatement, roadside brush clearance, hydrant maintenance and maintain accurate records of compliance. This officer would also help the Fire Marshall write citations, act as liaison to the Emergency Preparedness Committee, educate the public and act as the Fire Department Public Information Officer when asked by the Fire Chief. This Officer will replace two part-time Fire Inspectors. Chief Nielsen stated that this would increase the fiscal impact by about $11,000. We are at present focusing on the untouched canyons that create a huge fire hazard.
The Council expressed their approval of the year round Weed Abatement Program.
Fire Marshal Hill stated that he felt a great need for this to control the fire danger.
City Manager Bates commented that to help this program work we must have all of the information possible on record about each parcel.
Councilmember Carroll stated that he was concerned with the cost (including benefits) that increasing employees brings, even though this time the amount is not large. Mr. Carroll stated that he would vote ŇnoÓ and would like to wait to see how the CityŐs finances are later.
Councilmember Klein stated that he has the same concerns, to adding people and vehicles. He stated that he would go along with this position, but we need to be careful about constantly adding more.
Councilmember Douglas stated that he expects that with this addition they will take care of the edges of the roads and be able to provide Public Works with data on all of the debris and loss of pavement along with how much money it saves the Roads Program by taking care of that.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he expects most problems to be taken care of before they become complaints. It may mean citations will increase.
Mayor Pro Tem Bergman moved to approve the Full-time Fire Prevention Officer position. The motion was seconded by Mayor Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: Carroll
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS
23. FY 2006-2007 MID YEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND REQUEST TO AMEND THE FY 2006-2007 BUDGET TO AGREE WITH THE ESTIMATED RESULTS FOR FY 2006-2007
RECOMMENDATION: That Council amend the FY 2006-2007 Budget to agree with the amounts reported as ŇEstimated Results for FY 2006-2007.Ó
City Manager Bates noted that the Budget is performing well and if it continues it should be up another $400,000 this year and we should be able to transfer another $800,000 into the construction fund, which would bring the total up to $3,700,000. He stated the reasons that we have received more revenue than we were expecting in some areas, more improvement in the performance in the area of building and planning with fees and collections and a more efficient operation in reduction of costs in the Engineering function. With the Codes completed we are seeing a reduction of City Attorney costs.
Freddie Vernon Vega, Finance Director, discussed the four major funds:
The General Fund should end up with a surplus of $400,000.
The Fire Fund should be in balance between the revenues and expenditures.
Maintenance District Three shows a small deficit, but this is from spending an amount from prior yearŐs surpluses.
We expect to spend $147,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund for Architect fees and pre-construction costs.
Mr. Vega stated that we expect to transfer $600,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund and at the end of the year that should leave us with $650,000.
He stated that it is suggested that at the end of the fiscal year we transfer $200,000 from the Fire Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund and the Fire Fund should end up with $600,000.
Maintenance District Three should end the year with $384,000. Next fiscal year we will close out District Three and implement District Four that will go to the voters around May of this year.
The Capital Improvement Fund at the end of this fiscal year should have a balance of $3.7 million dollars.
Councilmember Carroll moved to amend the FY 2006-2007 budget to agree with the amounts reported and the estimated results for FY 2006-2007. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klein and approved as follows:
AYES: Bergman, Carroll, Douglas, Klein and Millsap
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Klein stated that Newport Beach is looking at hosting a conference where they will discuss group homes and residential recovery facilities. They said they have 100 such homes. They want to know from good home directors how to avoid excessive noise, etc. He stated that it would be good if someone from the Council goes to this meeting as we have no control over these homes being placed in our community.
Mr. Klein also noted that the City Manager of Diamond Bar spoke at the WCCA meeting about why he wanted to work with AERA and incorporate their project into Diamond Bar. They are hoping to get more income from this. Mr. Klein was of the opinion that they would not get what they are hoping for after they provide services to the 2900 homes built by AERA. He was of the opinion that even as planned now for traffic to empty on the 57, it will affect us. There are just about four routes over the hill. We have to watch this closely.
Councilmember Carroll noted the difference between Villa ParkŐs RENA numbers and ours. They are in Orange County. Mr. Carroll would like to discuss this at the next meeting.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA AND NOT ON THE AGENDA
George Edwardz, Fullerton Road, expressed his disappointment with the decision to move the Fire Department further away from the people that are already least served. He stated that he asked Mr. Klein why he approved several fire stations in 1998. Mr. Klein answered that things change. Mr. Edwardz commented that fuel loads increase. He felt that the people on the East Side are being ignored.
Councilmember Klein explained that they werenŐt fire stations, they were just large sheds to house an engine. The many volunteer firemen that we had at that time are mostly gone. We even had trouble manning trucks. Our personnel changed and our thinking had to change with the times.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Millsap adjourned the meeting to the next City Council Meeting on March 8, 2007 at 12:23 a.m.
ATTEST:
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RONALD BATES, CITY CLERK