CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
LA HABRA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MINUTES
MAY 10, 2007
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Brian Bergman called the May 10, 2007 Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:38 P.M. at the La Habra Heights Community Center, La Habra Heights, California.
Present: Mayor Brian Bergman, Mayor Pro Tem Stan Carroll, Council Members: Layne Baroldi, Tela Millsap and Howard Vipperman.
Also Present: City Attorney Sandra Levin, City Manager Ronald Bates, Community Development Director Justin Powers, City Engineer Majdi Ataya, Fire Chief John Nielsen and Sheriff Lieutenant Mark Weldon.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Howard Vipperman led the flag salute.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Bergman stated that they would start out of order and have Crystal Myers from the Parks and Recreation Committee to speak first.
Crystal Myers brought Hallie, Ellie and Savannah with their baby animals to remind everyone about the Avocado Festival on May 19, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The Avocado Festival will be combined with the Safety Fair and will be a time for family fun. Ms. Myers noted several of the items that will be there and stated that there would be a guacamole contest and the largest avocado contest. Applicants should be there by 2:00 P.M. There will also be a Best Dressed Avocado contest.
á Public Works Committee, Chairperson Jerry Shipman
Chairperson Jerry Shipman stated that Las Palomas has been tested, but the report is not in yet. Maintenance of Zone 5 is on this Agenda as Item 17. Assessment District 4 is covered under Item 16. Mr. Shipman commented that it is very important to maintain our roads.
Mayor Bergman noted that Kathy SaubleŐs presentation would be delayed as she was double-booked tonight. She will be worked in when she gets here.
á Habitat Authority, Bill McDermott
Bill McDermott, stated that he is a member of the CitizenŐs Technical Advisory Committee for the Habitat Authority and a representative of La Habra Heights. He mentioned a newsletter which is available at the back of the room. He mentioned the fire danger in the hills due to the drought. The main issue is the pending release of the Resource Management Plan. There will be two Public Meetings on this; one will be on next Wednesday, May 16 at 6:30 P.M. at the Whittier City Hall.
á Southern California Edison, Sylvia Southerland
Sylvia Southerland, spoke about the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP). Its purpose is to increase our 17% renewable resources to 20%. She stated that they are working on increasing wind generation electricity in California. Ms. Southerland presented an overview of their project. She stated that it is estimated to cost $1.8 billion dollars. She showed a drawing of the present towers (lattice towers) and a drawing of the new towers. She explained that the new ones would be in addition to the ones already in use. SCE will be installing more wire, which will mean more reliability. She presented maps of where they would be improving things and provided handouts of the information. We are working with the Habitat Authority and have an on site visit planned with them and will also give a presentation for their board. She explained that they do not work during a natural migration and nesting, nor interrupt raptor nests. The lines are raptor safe. We will get all of the approvals that are required of us. From Spring of 2007, the hope is to have this completed by Winter of 2013.
All information can be found at www.sce.com/tehachapi.
Stephen Blagden stated that it would have a huge impact in the Community. The new towers will be up to 198 feet tall and will be noisier. He suggested that the lattice towers be replaced with the less unsightly type of poles and sound mitigation. He suggested that they renegotiate the areas under the poles with native vegetation and replace the lattice type of poles already there.
Sylvia Southerland stated that State and Federal governments do not have a definite answer as to whether Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) impact human health, we are not taking a position that they do not. We try to make the lines close enough together that they cancel out the magnetic fields, but do not endanger the workers. We are authorized to spend 4% of the total cost to pursue a 15% reduction in the magnetic fields. She stated that they would replace the vegetation when the project is finished. Ms. Southerland stated that the noise from the lines would not violate the Code in the City. She also stated that no decision has been made yet on which towers or poles would be used.
Stephen Blagden stated that Edison needs to expand the right-of-way by 100 feet for certain parts of the City and the Conservation Easement would preserve the land under the lines and their easement area so the space cannot be rented out in the future.
Sylvia Southerland stated that the Habitat Authority would never allow the space to be rented out. She invited Mr. Blagden to come to their meeting with the Habitat Authority because Edison will have their Scientists and Engineers there to answer more technical questions.
The Council asked her to let Edison know that they think the mono pole looks much better than the lattice work tower and they would prefer the mono pole.
Will Slattery asked what the decibels the current lines produce are and decibels would the new lines produce. The noises from the lines are disturbing to the hikers and horse riders on the trails. He stated that he disapproves of the route of the existing and proposed lines. He suggested they use the City of Industry through a commercial area for their route.
Alan Boval, West Skyline Drive, stated that these poles disrupt the view from homes on the northern side of the City as well as from the Skyline Trail. There will be noise pollution for everyone trying to enjoy the natural habitat that we spent so much time and effort preserving. Mr. Boval was of the opinion that there would be increased amounts of EMF radiation and these eyesores would cause a decrease in property values. We need information, alternatives and their costs in order to make the right decisions for our City.
Stephen Blagden stated that the government has standards for the electro magnetic radiation at the edges of the easement, but since the Skyline Trail goes next to the easement and sometimes crosses under it, people using the trail would get a double dose of the radiation. He stated that the City does have a noise code, and with the oil company, the City made them hold to much lower sound levels because they were a 24-7 operation.
á Certificate of Appreciation, John Lin
Mayor Bergman presented John Lin with a certificate of appreciation for recognition of contributions made voluntarily to keep The Park sign updated from 2003 to 2007 and commending him for his efforts to better serve this Community. He has also donated a washer and dryer to the Fire Department.
á Certificate of Commendation, Stephen Garcia
Mayor Bergman stated that Stephen Garcia served honorably on the Planning Commission from 2003 to 2007 and proved himself a valued and appreciated resident during those years. He has truly exemplified the spirit of volunteerism, which makes La Habra Heights unique. Mayor Bergman stated that Stephen Garcia brought a lot to the Planning Commission, especially in the area of landscaping.
Stephen Garcia stated that it was a pleasure to work with the Planning Commission and thanked the Council for their appreciation.
0:38:45
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Will Slattery stated that he did some research on the underground Fire Station at the South end of The Park and the concrete shell, footings, roof and waterproofing would be approximately $1,070,000. He got these figures from a similar structure built about 5 years ago into a hillside. He stated that he revised his plan to provide a straight drive through the Fire Department. He asked for a comparison of different costs of styles and types of construction proposed for building at the Hacienda/West site and the current location. He stated that he has answers to questions that were raised at the May 1st meeting. Mr. Slattery asked what the procedure is to get the Council to seriously consider his project as he would like it to be considered.
City Attorney Levin stated that it is at the CouncilŐs direction what projects will be studied for CEQA.
Bill Mattingly, West Skyline Drive, spoke about the high cost of paramedics when used, citing experiences of he and his wife and suggested some kind of insurance that residents could have that would help in such instances.
City Manager Bates stated that the City would be considering some type of plan that could be available to the residents when they deal with the budget.
Councilmember Millsap commented that Mr. MattinglyŐs experience was with AMR before we had paramedics. She stated that she was interested in considering some kind of subscription service for our City. She stated that it was looked at shortly after we started our paramedic service and some cities stated that it did not work for them.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he did propose considering a plan in 2005 and did not get support from the City Council at that time.
City Manager Bates stated that most of the people who are billed are from out of the City, so there are not many residents that we have to cover and it is possible that with some sort of a subscription plan we may be able to cover our costs.
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, commented that as far as the EMF is concerned, the electric lines are alternating current so they can be split so that the electricity in one line can go one way and the other line the opposite direction and they cancel each other. You would have to ask for it and it would cost Edison more. Instead of being 550,000 volts they could split it up to 250,000 volts.
Mr. Blagden again recommended closing Hacienda Road to outside traffic during high fire danger times.
Councilmember Vipperman read an excerpt from a Special City Council Meeting in April, 2004 where Fire Chief Nielsen stated that the La Habra City subscription plan covered both paramedic service and transportation.
Chief Nielsen stated that at that time La Habra covered both fire and paramedics. Now they only cover transportation.
City Manager Bates stated that the subject will come back in June when we work on the budget.
George Edwardz, Fullerton Road, felt the charge to the residents for a visit from the paramedics was wrong, when we pay an added tax for paramedics. He stated that anyone wanting to know how we got what we have now could find it in the minutes of the 2004 meetings. Mr. Edwardz asked that Items 18 and 19 be moved up so those concerned can hear it before it is so late. He also asked that the Fire Committee be revived to help the Council with information. He asked that Council listen to the suggestions and concerns of the residents.
Janice Slattery, Sharpless Drive, representing the Garden Harvest, stated that they would be at the Avocado Festival. She explained what they are doing and she stated that she is also representing the La Habra Heights Fine Artists and Artisans Group. She stated that they have a very wide variety of types of art. They will also have a booth at the Avocado Festival.
Karen Vipperman, noted that La Habra does still have the subscription program, costing $39 once a year and Fullerton has such a program for $36 per year.
1:04:55
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
City Manager Bates read a letter of thanks from Dave Morgan, the City Manager of Anaheim who thanked the Fire Department of La Habra Heights for their great work in combating the Windy Ridge fire due to the Mutual Aid responses and for sharing resources with them. Mr. Morgan stated that they would make every effort to assist La Habra Heights in our jurisdiction should we ever need the service.
Mr. Bates stated that due to the efforts of Staff and Council members, RHNA numbers for housing have been lowered from 116 to 79, divided into four categories of different income groups. The next step will be to work with a Housing Consultant to develop a new housing element for the City which will need to be filed in 2008. Due to the amount of traffic on Hacienda Road, we will be looking to have more senior housing so there wonŐt be so much traffic added and we will be looking to design a project that will be primarily owner occupied.
Mr. Bates stated that the cameras for surveillance of license plates have arrived. They should be installed in approximately two weeks and shortly after, we will be ready to dedicate the system. We will set a date for the ribbon cutting probably in June.
Mr. Bates stated that we are now going to have to deal with sewer systems. We need to complete a Sewer System Master Plan by the end of 2007.
Councilmember Carroll commented that Staff would review trade and transfer on the RHNA numbers as time goes on.
City Manager Bates confirmed that final certification of the RHNA numbers that every city has had lowered, will be redistributed among the cities. This will not affect us much, if at all. We may then have the opportunity, to trade or transfer any of our numbers. He stated that we will have to specify where we will build each housing type and density. He stated that we would have until 2014 to complete the process.
Councilmember Baroldi stated that he was of the opinion that we should at least look at the use of second units.
City Manager Bates stated that the Housing Consultant would consider this.
City Attorney Levin stated that we have until July of 2008 for the Housing Element so we have plenty of time to consider everything.
6. CITY ATTORNEYŐS REPORT
City Attorney Levin commented that the City Manager deserves much credit that we got a reduction in the RHNA numbers.
7. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORŐS REPORT
Community Development Director Powers stated that he has nothing beyond his written report.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll asked if anything has been approved under the new code.
Community Development Director Powers answered that nothing has been approved under the new code. There has been some slowing in building.
City Attorney Levin explained that there was also a rush to get projects in while still under the old code.
8. FIRE CHIEFŐS REPORT
Fire Chief Nielsen added that last Sunday 132 individuals took a written test to get into the Academy and 30 passed the test. They will now have an oral interview, medical exam and background investigation. We perform the same screening and hiring procedure like any other Fire Department, so the residents get the best service possible.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll asked if the Habitat Authority is taking care of their weed abatement responsibilities.
Fire Chief Nielsen answered that they are working with us.
Councilmember Millsap reminded everyone that no fire works are allowed in our City. People need to report such items.
Lieutenant Mark Weldon warned residents not to leave items in sight in their cars. We had one (1) arson incident listed last month, which began in La Habra. WeŐll try to get this removed from La HabraŐs list. He explained that last week they tested a different mass telephone communication system that Industry Station has purchased.
City Manager Bates stated that a marijuana house was found in La Habra Heights.
The Council discussed how much can be done with the new Communication system.
1:37:49
CONSENT CALENDAR
It is recommended that Items 10 through 15 be acted upon simultaneously by one motion of the City Council unless separate discussion and/or action on an item is requested by a Council Member or a member of the public.
10. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS – April 2007
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
11. TREASURERŐS REPORT – March 2007
12. HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MONTHLY REPORT
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file
13. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – Regular Meeting of April 12, 2007
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
14. 2007 AGREEMENT FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve Resolution 2007-06 adopting the five year agreement for Animal Control Services effective July 1, 2007 and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
15. AN APPLICATION FOR THE 2007 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT ADMINISTERED BY THE US FIRE ADMINISTRATION AND OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve Resolution 1007-09 and authorize the Fire Chief to apply for Grant Funds.
Councilmember Vipperman noted that on Item 11, page 8, the ŇFire Operations (Includes Paramedic)Ó states the budget for this year is $3,025,712, which is a fairly good number. At this time he also apologized for a statement referred to at the last meeting about some statements he had made about the Fire Department and the Chief. Councilmember Vipperman stated that they had been made because of some misinformation he received from the City Manager, which was later corrected and he apologized to the Fire Chief. Mr. Vipperman stated that he received a letter backing the Chief, which was signed by 45 Firemen. Mr. Vipperman asked Mr. Blagden to contact him personally if he has some question about his view and if he makes a comment about him in public, please use his name.
City Manager Bates made a correction on Item 15, in the bottom of the first paragraph under Fiscal Impact to change the percentage from 10% to 5%.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll moved to approve the Consent Calendar with the correction on Item 15. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Baroldi and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Bergman, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
1:43:55
OLD BUSINESS
16. ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 4 ENGINEERS REPORT AND RESOLUTION OF APPROVAL AND INTENTION
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve Resolution 2007-07 ŇPreliminary Engineers ReportÓ for District No. 4 formation and Resolution 2007-08 Intent to form a Special District.
City Manager Bates thanked all those who worked as a team to bring about this program.
City Engineer Ataya stated that the purpose of this Assessment District No. 4 is to preserve the roadway system, which is the most valuable City asset and it is prudent to take good care of it. Mr. Ataya explained the different methods that are used to maintain the streets, depending on how much repair they need. We want to delay reconstruction as much as we can because it costs considerably more. Any time we can, we want to keep the road from getting to that condition as long as we can. Mr. Ataya stated that the Assessment would be $1.7 million dollars. Added to this the City will spend an additional $846,200 from other funded sources for street projects. The total would be $2,546,250 for the 5-year period.
City Manager Bates stated that these gentlemen looked very hard at reasonable needs for the streets and it came up with over $5 million dollars for all of the work. The program will not meet all of the needs, but is a good program and is a step in the right direction.
Greg Ghiranza, NBS Director, explained that NBS is a firm that forms and administers Special Districts and has been performing these services for the City of La Habra Heights for the last 8-10 years. Mr. Ghiranza gave an overview of the formation process for the District. He explained how the assessments are figured for each property. It is based on number of trips per day.
City Manager Bates commented that this is how it has worked for the last two Assessments.
Councilmember Baroldi commented about his concern that sometimes the monumentation markers for surveys are lost when the roads are repaired.
City Manager Bates stated that the City is aware of that and we are maintaining markers much better with the new Public Works Department.
Staff and Council discussed who is responsible for vegetation removal along roads.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll moved to approve Item 16. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Bergman, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Manager Bates asked for verification that this motion includes Resolution 2007-07 and Resolution 2007-08.
Mayor Bergman read the inclusion of approval of Resolution 2007-07 and Resolution 2007-08.
Mayor Bergman stated that Kathy Sauble arrived and would now give her presentation.
Kathy Sauble, Chairperson for the Emergency Preparedness Committee, stated that the theme for this month is for ŇPublic Health EmergenciesÓ. She stated that everyone needs to wash hands frequently, avoid sneezing or coughing into your hand and use Kleenex when possible, stay away from sick people and donŐt go to work if you are sick, get plenty of rest and exercise daily, manage stress, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water. Make plans ahead of time for help in cases where everyone may get sick. Take special care of your raw meets so they donŐt cross contaminate with other foods. You should have at least 2 weeks of medical supplies including prescription drugs and food on hand. This information can be found at City Hall.
NEW BUSINESS
17. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION FOR ANNUAL ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: That Council award a contract to International Pavement Solutions in the amount of $417,026.92. Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract with International Pavement Solutions, direct staff to proceed with the project and in the event the lowest bidder, International Pavement Solutions, does not honor their bid, award a contract to the second lowest bidder, Imperial Paving in the amount of $424, 437.60.
City Manager Bates stated that this is the last zone in Maintenance District No. 3. Zone 5 is primarily on the East Side.
City Engineer Ataya reported that they assessed the needs of this District and advertised for bids as required. We received 7 good bids and the lowest bid was $417,000 which was about $17,000 above our Engineers estimate. He stated that they did a background check on the Contractor and he is licensed and the references were good. He noted his recommendation to award the contract to International Pavement Solutions for $417,026.92 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract and direct Staff to proceed and authorize the City Manager, in case the lowest bidder does not honor his bid, to hold their 10% bid bond and apply it to the second lowest bid, which is for Imperial Paving in the amount of $424,437.60.
The Council discussed with Staff what they had done to get more bids this time. They also discussed the low bid that International Pavement Solutions gave for R&R.
City Manager Bates noted that the Engineers and Public Works Department are writing better specs, which makes it easier to give us a bid.
City Attorney Levin explained that the Public Works contracts are very technical and the law has changed in certain respects, so when you make this motion, approve the contract subject to City Attorney approval. It will only be changes in language and will not affect any of the terms set forth in the Staff Report or the bid specification.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll moved that subject to City Attorney review, we adopt Item 17 and award the contract to International Pavement Solutions for the road maintenance project and agreed with Councilmember Millsap that the motion includes that if necessary the contract would go to the second lowest bidder, Imperial Paving. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Bergman, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
18. AGREEMENT FOR EXCHANGE OF FIRE PROTECTION AND RESCUE SERVICES AUTOMATIC AID/INITIAL ACTION
RECOMMENDATION: That Council authorize the Mayor to execute the
attached Automatic Aid/Initial Action Agreement.
City Manager Bates stated that he would read the Staff Report on this so there would be no misunderstanding about Mutual Aid and Automatic Aid. Mr. Bates stressed that the Automatic Aid agreement would provide improved response time for all area residents and more efficient use of taxpayer resources whether the taxpayers are in La Habra Heights, La Habra or Whittier. This does not increase any taxpayers cost.
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, stated that Automatic Aid is making use of existing facilities to serve the geographical area. La Habra will not be paying for their service in our area. It will be reciprocal service. He spoke about the statement in Section VIII of the agreement, stating that nobody is required to respond to another area if they are on a call. This applies to our circumstances as well and does not happen often. Mr. Blagden suggested that we have a system to track responses by LA County to us and by us to LA County. He also suggested that all Fire Department vehicles be equipped with GPS locators and tracking software as a management tool. Mr. Blagden suggested the Golf Club buy a ladder truck for us as they have the only building that would need such an engine. There also might be some special equipment for fighting oil fires that Occidental might be willing to finance. He asked that Council approve the Automatic Aid Agreement.
George Edwardz, stated that the Automatic Aid Agreement is just a band aid for what we need. He stated that we had an Automatic Aid with La Habra until LA County Fire took over there. Mr. Edwardz commented that in 2004, so much emphasis was placed on having paramedics that we forgot the Fire Service. He stated that this Agreement would affect the tax payments by the surrounding cities. He stated that sending our paramedics out of town when 85% of our calls are paramedic will lead to problems and more cost to the surrounding cities. He stated that the Agreement states that this does not relieve either party from using their own resources within their own areas, so we canŐt have the surrounding cities paying for our care.
Councilmember Millsap stated that she was around City Managers of some of the surrounding cities last night and did not notice any concern from them that they would have to increase their budget because of this Agreement. She asked if there has been any concern from them that this is going to cost them money and they will have to increase their budget or add a tax on residents?
City Manager Bates stated that he would again explain how the Automatic Aid Agreement works. He noted that they understood that the Automatic Aid Agreement would be reciprocal between us and the surrounding cities. They may be closer to our area and may get there one or two minutes sooner than we can, but we will also be responding and will take over when we arrive. The Fire Chiefs will work out the Agreement so responses and cost are equal to all. This will be beneficial to everyone.
George Edwardz stated that he was not against the Automatic Aid Agreement; he was against us using it as a Band-Aid and balancing our budget on the backs of our neighbors.
City Attorney Levin commented that after the MOU is approved and you find something that is not working out well, you may give a 30-day notice and end it.
Karen Vipperman, stated that there are a lot of well informed people in La Habra Heights and felt that the City Manager should not talk down to them. She stated that Automatic Aid is a good thing, but not the whole answer. She was concerned that we could be over-extending our resources and could be caught out of the City when our residents need help. Every minute of response is important.
Mayor Bergman returned the meeting to the Council for discussion.
The Council asked various questions about how different situations would be worked out in the agreement.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that details would be worked out in the MOU.
Mayor Bergman called for an intermission at 10:34 p.m. and reconvened at 10:54 p.m.
Councilmember Vipperman commented that when a resident dials 911, the call goes to the sheriff. However, under Automatic Aid, does the Sheriff determine which Fire Station will respond?
Sheriff Lieutenant Wolak stated that the call will go to the Sheriff and then be transferred to LA County Fire.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that now a call from La Habra Heights goes to the Sheriff and if it is a fire, it is transferred to our dispatch. The communications system will have to be reprogrammed so that it will go to our dispatch and LA County at the same time. We need to work that out. Highway Patrol is more complicated as they do not know the Heights and all cell phone calls go to the Highway Patrol. There is a big push to put Fire and Law on the same platform.
City Manager Bates noted that very often we have the capability to man two engines at once.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll asked for some discussion on how well the different fire departments can communicate with each other and other Counties along with law enforcement.
Fire Chief Nielsen answered that the LA County area Fire and Police have created a Committee to look at a common platform for all communication. The goal is to get all public safety personnel able to talk to each other on the same channels on the same radios. We can talk to LA County Fire Department because we have the same radios in our engines that they have in their engines. In the next 3-6 months all fire engines will completely change their radios and we will be able to talk to the Sheriffs.
City Manager Bates explained how the Orange County communication system is set up. If they transmit on the ŇredÓ frequency, everyone in the County can communicate on that frequency.
Councilmember Millsap noted that we arenŐt costing La Habra more money; we shop there and support them in our shopping all the time.
Mayor Bergman stated that he thought the Automatic Aid Agreement was a step in the right direction and he thought we should always be trying to improve.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll moved to approve Item 18, the Agreement for Exchange of Fire Protection and Rescue Services Automatic Aid. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Baroldi with the instruction to the City Manager to keep the Council advised as to how the MOU is proceeding. The motion was approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Bergman, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3:13:23
19. LOS ANGELES COUNTY BID FOR FIRE PROTECTION/PARAMEDIC SERVICE
RECOMMENDATION: Two Council Members have requested that the City consider submitting a formal request to Los Angeles County Fire Department to provide Fire/Paramedic services to the City.
City Manager Bates stated that we are now paying approximately $1.1 or 2 million for our Fire and Paramedic services, which includes the revenue from the Fire Tax, reimbursement for fighting wildfires, and money we recover for paramedic services. Mr. Bates stated the costs given by Mike Dyer for LA County Fire and Paramedic services would be:
4-Person Engine $2,048,625
Overhead (31.25%) $640,244
Total $2,688,869
PM Squad $1,053,504
Overhead (31.25%) $329,749
Total $4,071,618
We rounded that to $4.1 million
Mayor Bergman opened the meeting for Public Comment on this Item.
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, stated that a formal quote from LA County Fire will be to the dollar for the options chosen. This quote will not include many of the other services our Fire Department now provides. Some have complained that the Fire Department budget pays for $16,000 of the City ManagerŐs salary and similar proportions for finance assistance. This amount for overhead is very reasonable compared to the $1 million charged annually for LA CountyŐs overhead that the quote includes. Mr. Blagden stated that he does not think getting a formal quote serves any purpose. He stated that he thinks we should restore the resident Fire Committee.
George Edwardz, stated that the Automatic Aid Agreement states that Ňno party furnishing aid pursuant to this agreement shall be entitled to compensation for services rendered to the requesting agencyÓ. He also noted that the Staff Report states that we staff two Engine Companies twenty-four hours per day and one Paramedic Squad with two paramedics twenty-four hours a day. Mr. Edwardz asked if the Fire Chief could show us that is what he has. Mr. Edwardz showed an Incident Report that shows this is not what we are getting on our calls. He cited a second Incident Report.
Roy Francis, spoke in favor of getting a formal bid from LA County. He stated that we need to move forward to provide emergency services in a timely manner to every part of the City. Our priority should be public safety. Mr. Francis stated that the LA County Fire Department needs to do a risk needs assessment for our Community and let them suggest what an adequate level of services would be for our Community. Mr. Francis commented that over 150 signatures have been collected asking the Council to get a formal bid from LA County Fire Department.
Judy Hathaway Francis, stated that we need to look carefully at our emergency services and how we can improve it. We need to explore all options. The West and East Side residents are extremely concerned about response time and what kind of service they will get. LA County Fire Service now surrounds us. She spoke about using goats to take care of the canyons that are full of fuel for fires. She also spoke of heavy brush along the roads. She asked that the City get a formal bid, for a survey and a proposal so we know what they think we need.
Cecelia Borrowe stated that she does not want to turn our Fire Department over to complete dependency on another Department. She stated that in her opinion many of the residents want to maintain our volunteer Fire Department and many would like to participate. She noted that LA County has a 60 plus hour training program that is very good. A formal quote is not a final quote, but a beginning. Ms. Borrowe commented that she considers the bid as an opportunity to learn how well we are doing in the eyes of other professionals.
Mayor Bergman brought the meeting back to the Council for discussion.
3:39:02
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that he doesnŐt see this as a critique of the Fire Service, but just the hard figures that it would cost LA County to provide us with the service that we have now. This will give information to the public. It is not an attack on the Fire Department or the City Manager.
Councilmember Baroldi stated that he agreed with Mr. Carroll and if the information goes into depth of information we can use the information to our benefit. He stated that we are just gathering a lot of data.
Councilmember Vipperman stated that he agrees and is in favor of anything that improves the Fire and Paramedic service for the residents. Mr. Vipperman stated that the Council has the right and responsibility to explore all possibilities. He mentioned that La Habra Heights should consider an insurance system to cover the Paramedic Service. Mr. Vipperman discussed the pros and cons of having LA County take over our Fire Department, noting that we do need to know what they would charge. We canŐt tax our residents any more than we already are doing.
Mayor Millsap explained that four years ago the paramedic service was very bad. We were paying $16,000 per month and sometimes they were delayed as much as 30 minutes. Now we have our own. It isnŐt perfect, but is very much better. She asked if we are asking for a risk assessment or just a quote for services. Some people expect a risk assessment. Ms. Millsap stated that there are many things LA County would not do that our Fire Department is doing now. If we use LA County, it is not going to make us more self-sufficient. She stated that in her opinion this is just a stall tactic.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that we are asking for a quote to provide services of fire suppression and paramedics to La Habra Heights. A risk assessment was just done by ISO for free, and we are now working on that.
Mayor Bergman again opened the meeting to the public.
4:01:46
Roy Francis, requested to just ask for a County proposal for providing Fire and Rescue Service to the Community. Leave the Risk Analysis out of it.
George Edwardz, stated that many things we are told have been found to not be true, such as response times. He stated that he does not want to be a professional firefighter, but he does want to help.
Will Slattery, asked if LA County Fire will take our request for a quote for their services if they do not think we are serious. He asked how many signatures he would have to get to have the South Park site for a Station on the Agenda for consideration.
Councilmember Millsap explained that Item 19 was not placed on the Agenda because of the petition with 150 names, but because two Councilmembers asked that it be placed on the Agenda.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that asking for a proposal from LA County does not guarantee they will honor the request. The Fire Chief mentioned that LA County Fire is not ISO rated. It is too large.
Stephen Blagden stated his opinion that the request for a quote is pointless.
Mayor Bergman returned the meeting to the Council.
Mayor Bergman stated that all you have to do is multiply the figures for what you need. In his opinion a quote could not come back from LA County for less money or even near what we are paying now. He stated that we need to take care of the fuel in the canyons. We want to keep our Fire Department. We already have the ISO risk assessment.
Councilmember Millsap suggested that they might want to spend the $3,500 for a third party Risk Assessment instead of the LA County quote.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll offered a motion (clarified by City Attorney Levin) to authorize and direct the City Manager to obtain, at a cost not to exceed $3,500, from LA County, a proposal to provide services to the residents that are substantially similar to those provided now. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Vipperman and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Carroll and Vipperman
NOES: Bergman and Millsap
ABSENT: None
Will Slattery spoke about the impact of the large trucks used by two trash companies on roads.
City Manager Bates noted that they spoke with both companies about this. We want to extend their contracts for one year in June and ask them to jointly fund a study on the actual damage those trucks do on our roads. Then we will have that to consider the next year when we consider their 5-year franchise renewal.
Will Slattery suggested that there be four or five transfer areas in the City so smaller trucks can be used on most of the roads and transfer their loads to the bigger trucks. These areas could be used for many other types of trucks. Mr. Slattery asked what the height the tree trimming should be, because the trash trucks are 12.5 high.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that it was 13Ő6Ó and we have been thinking of making that higher.
George Edwardz talked about the fuel load and suggested that any trees that the Fire Chief deems a fire danger should be exempt from the tree removal permit. The cost of a roofing permit should be suspended for houses with a shake roof so they can re-roof with safer material.
Community Development Director Powers stated that the first four trees or dead trees do not have to have a permit and if the Fire Chief considers it a fire danger, he has the power to waive the permit.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he is still considering goats for the canyons. In the past there was a funding issue.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Baroldi reported on the HOSEC meeting. Diamond Bar has issued a Notice of Preparation of their Environmental documentation as to their intent to continue with the AERA Energy housing project. This is a solicitation for comment from other interested agencies for guidance in scoping content as to what should be in their Environmental documentation. We have 30 days to comment. Diamond Bar has three different development areas of proposed uses. The one of most concern to us is the LA County – West Side that would access Harbor Boulevard. It will have 275 residences. This is more than originally planned. HOSEC has hired Attorney Colantuono and we should be served well by him. There is to be 57 million cubic yards of cut and fill for the site grading, which is quite high. The Scoping meeting will be Wednesday, May 16 at Diamond Bar Center.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bergman adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 12:37 A.M.
ATTEST:
____________________________
RONALD BATES, CITY CLERK