CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
SPECIAL AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 14, 2008
SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll opened the Joint Special City Council and Public Works Committee Meeting on February 14, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. at the La Habra Heights Fire Department Training Room, 1245 Hacienda Road, La Habra Heights, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Brian Bergman, Mayor Pro Tem Stan Carroll, and CouncilmemberŐs Layne Baroldi, Tela Millsap and Howard Vipperman.
Also present: Interim City Manager Shauna Clark, City Attorney Sandra Levin, Community Development Director (CDD) Justin Powers, and City Engineer Majdi Ataya.
Public Works Committee present: Chairman Jerry Shipman, Stephen Blagden, George Hawkes, Glenn Haynes Jr., and Glen Pedersen.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Council Member Baroldi led the flag salute.
4. PRESENTATIONS
á Steve Bucknan, Pavement Management Program (PMP)
City Engineer Ataya stated that they are here to go over the Pavement Management Program and prepare for the 5-year PCI (Pavement Condition Index) Budget. Mr. Ataya stated that Mr. Bucknan will be talking about his evaluation of each of the five (5) pavement zones. He will give the PCI for each zone and evaluate three (3) budgets for those zones. He will also report on what will happen if we do nothing or a minimum in each zone for the next five (5) years.
City Engineer Ataya introduced Steve Bucknan of Bucknan Associates.
Steve Bucknan, President of Bucknan Associates, explained that the purpose of the PMP was to convert previous PMP database to the MicroPaver software and we will link all of this Pavement data to the CityŐs GIS system to make it very user friendly. We chose a 5-year planning horizon. Mr. Bucknan presented information on the MicroPaver system, stating that it is a good program and widely used. He stated that they have done some minor modifications on the program so its methodology would better fit what this City would use as a project. Data is entered in the field and the PCI can then be calculated in the field. Mr. Bucknan explained how the PCI is put together. He presented the current conditions of the roads. The majority of your roads are in the fair condition. Mr. Bucknan presented a graph showing how pavement life cycles can change according to how well they are taken care of. He noted some of the different maintenance strategies and noted that you want to avoid reconstruction as it is most expensive. The program will identify which segments of your streets should have which type of application for keeping it in shape. He showed how with the actual budget now of $500,000 per year, after 5 years would bring the PCI up from 71 to about 75.5 and lower the Citywide backlog to $875,000. To reach a PCI of 78 you would have to spend an average of $610,000-$615,000 per year and that would bring the citywide backlog to zero. That would require raising the rates of the assessments. The Constrained Budget would take about $100,000 per year and the backlog after 5 years would be about $3.2 million. Mr. Bucknan recommended that the City will do well if they can stay at the current Budget which will reach a PCI of 75.7. He stated that a protective overlay program should be implemented to address deferred pavement sections. Drainage improvements should be considered when possible. He recommended that the maintenance schedule be changed slightly; doing the zones that have the worst PCIŐs first, and every two years inspect the pavement network to keep the PMP strong.
Stephen Blagden asked what pavement data is put into the GIS.
Chris Vitorio answered that the PCI information is all that is put into the GIS system along with the color coded map and can be easily updated.
Council Member Millsap asked if we need to budget for any software or hardware upgrades.
CDD Powers stated that we are probably good on software, but we will probably have to do another fly-over.
Chris Vitorio stated that MicroPaver and GIS are compatible with any system you have currently.
Glen Pedersen asked if it would be able to make updates on specific pavement conditions in the field.
It was noted that as long as the information is input annually it will be available in the field.
Bruce Barrette, Public Works Manager, noted that the parts of Hacienda that belong to the County do not show up on the zone maps.
Council Member Vipperman asked if it wouldnŐt be better to take care of the very bad pavement no matter what zone they are in each year to keep them from getting to the lowest PCI.
Mr. Bucknan stated that is the way to use the information.
City Engineer Ataya noted that if you want to do it that way then you donŐt go in order of the zones.
Public Works Committee Chairman, Jerry Shipman, commented that if you are not already doing work in that zone where the overload is, it costs more for the setup.
City Council Member Vipperman stated that they do want to do what is best for the City.
Mr. Shipman stated that they try to take all of that into consideration. A complete failure like Las Palomas is a capital expenditure and is different.
Council Member Millsap stated that having the Zones have helped because before we were so far behind and the roads were in terrible shape.
Glen Pedersen stated that Staff does address potholes and emergency situations when they happen on an Ňon callÓ basis.
Stephen Blagden noted that on the second year for Zone 1, Las Palomas and Solejar need reconstruction and the cost is more than the budget. How was that figured?
City Engineer Ataya commented that they are in serious condition and use a different unit price. It can possibly be adjusted.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that he is conducting the meeting because the Mayor has a throat condition tonight.
ADJOURN PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll adjourned the February 14, 2008 Joint Public Works Committee with the City Council Meeting at 6:48 p.m.
CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 14, 2008
CLOSED SESSION
Anticipated Litigation: A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the City Council/Agency on the advice of its legal counsel, based on the below-described existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the City Council/Agency.
One Case: Facts and circumstances that might result in litigation but which the City/Agency believes are not yet known to potential plaintiff or plaintiffs.
G.C. 54956.9b (3) (A)
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll called the February 14, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. at the La Habra Heights Fire Department Training Room, 1245 Hacienda Road, La Habra Heights, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Stan Carroll, Council Members Layne Baroldi, Tela Millsap and Howard Vipperman
Absent: Mayor Brian Bergman
Also present: City Attorney Sandra Levin, Interim City Manager Shauna Clark, Community Development Director Justin Powers, Fire Chief John Nielsen, Fire Marshal Ken Hill, Sheriff Lieutenant Mark Weldon and City Engineer Majdi Ataya.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that they just returned from Closed Session and asked the City Attorney if there was anything to report.
City Attorney Levin stated that no reportable action was taken and they will be returning to Closed Session at the end of the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll asked if all notices were properly posted.
Interim City Manager Clark stated that they were.
2a. FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Stan Quade.
3. PRESENTATIONS
á Cathy Brooke, Liaison for Fire Safe Council
Cathy Brooke, Grant Manager for Southern California, gave examples of why a Fire Safe Council is important. She mentioned a fire break grant to a Fire Safe Council for $40,000 that had saved 200 homes during fires. Ms. Brooke explained that they have about 200 Fire Safe Councils in California. Fire Safe Councils are small local entities. The Community dictates the personality of the Council. We do not dictate how the Council should be, but we do have some rules. Each Community is different and everyone has to get beyond their personal interest and consider all residents. She listed several things they can do to protect the Community. Ms. Brooke stated that Fire Safe Councils create the feel of Community. We will partner your Community with a mentor Community and you will have a Community amid Communities. She stated that they do not police the Fire Safe Councils and they do have money and are now accepting applications for projects and they will have at least $13 million dollars to distribute statewide. It may be up to $50 million. Ms. Brooke stated that in another year your Community should be in a position to apply for one of these grants.
á Tracy J. Egoscue, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
Tracy Egoscue, Executive Officer of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, stated that she was new and is here to introduce herself to the City. She stated that her Control Board covers Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and we are the State Agency responsible for all water quality.
á Public Works Committee, Chairperson Jerry Shipman
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that Chairperson Jerry Shipman is not here tonight and Stephen Blagden will give the report.
Stephen Blagden reported that the repair of Ahuacate has been completed and is now open. Las Palomas engineering should be on your mid-year budget review and if it goes forward, reconstruction could be on the 2008-09 budget. We are evaluating Zone 1 to see what we will be doing this summer. He stated that irrigation and yard runoff are one of the biggest preventable causes of road failure.
á Ahuacate Slope Failure, Majdi Ataya, City Engineer,
City Engineer Ataya presented a power point presentation of the Ahuacate Drive repair work. The road failure occurred in 2005 across from 2134 Ahuacate Drive. The work was began in November 7, 2007 and completed on January 2008. Mr. Ataya showed pictures of the different steps taken to do the repair. The original bid was $454,500, paid for by FEMA. There were only 5 change orders which totaled $23,300 (5%). We will front the change orders by gas tax money and try to get FEMA to cover that amount.
á Emergency Preparedness Committee, Chairperson Kathy Sauble
Kathy Sauble stated that the theme this month is on ŇLand and Mud SlidesÓ and she presented a brief outline of what is important for preparing for these emergencies. Prioritize protective measures. Listen to health and safety updates on the TV or Radio. The theme will be on the City Website. This Saturday a CERT course will be completed. Check fire extinguishers once a month. Ms. Sauble gave a reminder that there is an American Red Cross blood drive sponsored by our City on Tuesday, March 25th at The Park from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can make appointments on their website at www.givelife.org. The sponsor number is CLHH or call City Hall. You need to bring a photo I.D. with you. You will receive a $10 gift certificate for MimiŐs Caf and all participants may enter a regional drawing to win a $500 gift card. On Saturday, May 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. we will have the Avocado Festival and Health and Safety Fair. She showed the T-shirt emblem and stated they will have a pre-event sale of the T-shirts. There will be details in next monthŐs Heights Life. Ms. Sauble explained to Council Member Vipperman that CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team.
Council Member Vipperman asked if she ever worried that she might get arrested if she tried to aid someone.
Kathy Sauble stated that she had not worried about that because she would work within her training scope. She stated that she is certified under the SheriffŐs Department. We would have someone overseeing us and they would deploy us. We are not self-deployed.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that there is a Cert team under the Fire Department in our City.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that since Mayor Bergman cannot be here tonight, he has asked that Items 18 and 23 to be continued because he would like to be here for their consideration.
There was no objection to the continuation of these items.
Council Member Vipperman stated that he had written out some information of Item 18 which is consideration of amendment to section 2.9.20 of the Municipal Code and asked if he could hand them out.
City Attorney Levin stated that this could be done and they would need a copy for the public and a copy for the record. She noted that Items 18 and 23 would be continued to the next regular Agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS ON THE AGENDA AND NOT ON THE AGENDA
Sandy Dykier stated that to her knowledge the La Habra Heights CERT team has not been sworn in by La Habra Heights. She stated that they were sworn in by La Mirada and the Sheriffs Department. She stated that she is representing the Parks and Recreation Committee, and wanted to note the Avocado Festival and Health and Safety Fair coming up. She stated that she asked the City for some of their letterhead with their tax I.D. number to solicit financial donations for the Festival. Ms. Dykier stated that Staff said it could not be done; the Parks and Recreation Committee would have to obtain their own tax number.
Interim City Manager Clark explained that a City cannot solicit for money as they are an enforcement agency. She stated that she would be glad write a letter stating that the Avocado Festival is a City sponsored event and we can help the Parks and Recreation Committee set up a 501C3 non-profit organization.
City Attorney Levin stated that she could not say that it is prohibited, but she did know that it was not done and there is always a non-profit setup.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he would find out if the CERT team needed to be sworn in and get back to the Council at the next meeting.
Ms. Dykier stated that they would need an I.D. to work in the City
Sheriff Lieutenant Weldon stated that if they are deployed by our department they are under the direction of the SheriffŐs.
Staff discussed different solutions to the problem of soliciting for the Avocado Festival.
Michelle Saldivar, President of Highland Riders, commented that they had to apply for the gymnasium at The Park for their Pancake Breakfast on March 1st from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This is going to cost us $30 per hour for this as its normal usage. She asked if the Council could help them out with this high charge and noted that they are a non-profit organization. She noted that they could filter the Parks and Recreation money if needed through their 501C3. She stated that they also had to pay all kinds of fees to get the gymnasium for the Pancake Breakfast. We havenŐt had to do this in the past to use the Multi-purpose Room.
City Attorney Levin explained that if the Council wants the power to waive certain fees at times, following certain criteria listed, she can bring back a policy for considering a fee waiver at the next Council Meeting. She also noted that they cannot do anything tonight as it is not on the Agenda. Ms. Levin stated that they can also bring back an Agenda item for a refund of the fee.
Council Member Vipperman stated that he also has a letter from the Highland Riders asking for a waiver for an event and he will have that at the next meeting.
George Edwardz, stated that he took CERT training in La Habra from L.A. County and no one told him he had to report to the Station. He stated that all the CERT people need to come together to get all of the information and all members need I.D. for emergencies. He noted that the CERT people and EPC are here 24-7, when staff is not always here. He stated that if the CityŐs Financial Director has been put on Administrative Leave we would like to know what the update on that is. We understand that there is a criminal investigation on at least one City employee for misuse of government funds. Is the Community going to hear about this?
City Attorney Levin stated that there is nothing to report at this time, and we would never comment about ongoing personnel matters.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that CERT members trained by him three years ago would report to us and they have been issued I.D.s.
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, noted that on January 21st there was a meeting on the new Codes to get feedback from Engineers, Architects and Public. There were many positive comments from the professionals and City Staff. There were a few situations mentioned that warrant application procedure adjustments, such as how many sides of a property need to be surveyed for an addition or a pool. There were some mentions of lack of understanding of Standards Modifications process. Some work shops about the new codes are scheduled to familiarize people about this. There were some suggestions for improvement in areas that are not covered. Mr. Blagden asked if there will be an update on the progress in the Multi-Purpose Room, and the suggestion carpets may go in rather than the originally intended low maintenance hard surface flooring.
Stan Quade, complained about how things are built and fixed in the City. There is so often something wrong with what is being done. He mentioned how much work was done by the Park Master Plan Committee and nothing happened. He stated that the Council promised to make the Planning Department more people friendly, but it does not sound like this has happened. He stated that he felt that the City is trying to control too much of what the residents can do. It is too hard to remodel and make things better. He felt that too much money is spent on studies and equipment to make the City work better. What we need is more City people that want to help others.
CDD Powers stated that they are putting a French drain in by the AnnouncerŐs Booth with gravel for the drain. He stated that he had not had a chance to see how well it works yet.
Stan Quade stated that such a drain when covered up could not drain properly. He also noted that they put a concrete apron around the AnnouncerŐs Booth and slanted it towards the Booth which causes water to flow towards the Booth. That apron should have been taken out.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll asked staff to take a look at the situation and make sure it does work properly before the next meeting.
Karen Vipperman, Director of the La Habra Heights Fire Watch Inc. Group, a new group of 30 in La Habra Heights reported we are in the early process of becoming a Fire Safe Council. Judy Hathaway Francis is the Vice Chair of the group and also runs the Neighborhood Watch component. Anyone interested in this contact one of us.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
4. INTERIM MANAGERŐS REPORT
Interim City Manager Clark thanked Kathy Sauble, Karen Vipperman and Sandy Dykier for taking over in areas of the Avocado Festival and Safety Fair when it was found that there was not enough staff to do some of the items that they usually do for that event. This also happened when staff started the blood drive, and Kathy Sauble took that over. Ms. Clark explained why they had gone from the original plan to replace the flooring with tile, to carpeting. She stated that the contractor who explained this also told her that the tables that come down out of the wall would not work with the carpeting, so we decided to take out the tables and lay the carpeting to the wall. She stated that the City does not control the time line, the Contractor who works for the insurance company does.
Council Member Millsap stated that many different groups use those tables when they use the Multi-Purpose Room.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that he talked to Bruce Barrette and he agreed that the tables could stay.
Council Member Millsap asked that they try to get the insurance to replace the damaged tables.
5. CITY ATTORNEYŐS REPORT
The City Attorney had no report.
6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORŐS REPORT
CDD Powers stated that he had no further report.
7. FIRE CHIEFŐS REPORT
Fire Chief Nielsen thanked Karen Vipperman, Judy Hathaway Francis and Cathy Brooke for the start of Fire Safe Council Groups. It is very important that we all work together to educate the residents on fire safety. Fire Chief Nielsen mentioned everyoneŐs concern that AMR had removed the ambulance from our City, increasing response times. This situation will now be corrected tomorrow morning by the ambulance being re- located in our City. We are trying to work out a Memorandum of Understanding with Cal Poly Pomona Equestrian Center to work out a solution for large animal evacuation and stalling them. He stated that they had an agreement with Palo Verde College in Blythe for their Fire Instruction oversight for us. They have decided that we are too far from them and we are trying to work out an agreement with Rio Hondo Community College. We will be able to teach here and also use some of their facilities at Santa Fe Springs, a real training ground and it will all increase our money. We will bring the matter to the Council at the next Council Meeting in March. Mr. Nielsen stated that three of his staff members met with retired Fire Captain, Roy Francis and they agree that the level of training our fire fighters receive is not enough. We will tighten our requirements for the Academy and increase the number of hours required to pass that Academy to become the fire fighters deserved by our residents. There will also be the specs for a new fire engine that our vehicle committee has carefully figured that we need. He mentioned that they participated in a drill with La Habra. Our weakest link is communication.
Council Member Vipperman mentioned being at the Academy graduation. He stated that everyone should come and mentioned two awards given for 20 years of service.
Council Member Millsap asked if they were still going to tack on to another entity to purchase an engine at a lower price.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that he would try to tack on to L.A. County fire.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that there were complaints that AMR was getting lost. Is there anything you can do to correct that?
Chief Nielsen explained that when they are here all the time, they follow the other units and it is the same ones here all the time and they get familiar with our streets. He noted that on one of the cases the unit came from Irwin dale and didnŐt even know where La Habra Heights was.
Interim City Manager Clark explained that she wrote an article for Heights Life and sent a copy to AMR noting how long it takes to get a response now. She stated that Department of Health Services (DHS) had worked over AMR but when they realized that this was going to become public knowledge, they decided to put things back to the way the Fire Chief wanted them.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that all of the cadets do have a map test and must have 80% of the streets correct to pass the test.
Council Member Millsap noted that it is also very important that each resident has their number in plain sight in front of their house.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that they would like to get GPS for the engines. There are grants for GPS, but he would like to see the price come down some.
8. SHERIFFŐS DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll asked Lieutenant Weldon, when there is a call for the Fire Department, does your Department send someone out to help direct traffic.
Lieutenant Weldon answered that if it was a pure emergency call for the Fire Department, they would not, but if it was a traffic accident or unknown incident or if we happen to be the first unit we will be dispatched.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It is recommended that items 9 through 16 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.
Council Member Baroldi asked that Item 9 be pulled.
9. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS REGISTER FOR JANUARY 2008
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
This Item was pulled for discussion.
10. MONTHLY TREASURERŐS REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2007
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
11. HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MONTHLY REPORT
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and File
12. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 10, 2008
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
13. AHUACATE SLOPE FAILURE REPAIR PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve Notice of Completion for the construction of Ahuacate Road Slope Repair Project, and the allocation of an additional $23,295 from 02-17-9053 funds to front the cost for the change order.
14. AMERICA SUPPORTING AMERICANS: ADOPT-A-UNIT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the 2008-02 naming the Marines with the Headquarters, Regimental Combat Team 1 (RCT-1), 1st Marine Division.
15. RESOLUTION NO. 2008-04 WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution 2008-04, declaring that weeds, rubbish, refuse and dirt upon and in front of properties in the city are a public nuisance, and declaring its intention to provide for the abatement of such nuisance.
16. RESOLUTION AMENDING CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND DISCLOSURE CODE
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve Resolution 2008-03 amending the La Habra Heights Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Monitoring Code be adopted.
Council Member Baroldi moved to approve Items 10 through 16. The motion was seconded by Council Member Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll directed everyone to pulled Item 9.
9. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS REGISTER FOR JANUARY 2008
Council Member Baroldi noted on Page 1 of the Check – Complete Detail, at Check – Run 48003 it lists Emergency Equipment & Service, Kev Air Bags. He asked what these are.
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that these are huge Kevlar pillows that are used to lift cars, extract them or secure them. The bags we replaced were 25 years old.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll moved to approve Item 9 for the Warrants for January 2008. The motion was seconded by Council Member Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman\
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
OLD BUSINESS
17. EASTSIDE FIRE PRO FORMA
RECOMMENDATION: A. Select Option #1 at a total cost of $619,000 and direct City Manager to move forward with the project.
B. Select Option #2 at a total cost of $375,980 and direct the City Manager to move forward with the project.
C. Select a third option:
1. To explore the suitability of a fire station on City owned land at the corner of East Road, Skyline Drive and Fullerton Road. Direct Staff to prepare a pro forma or
2. To explore the suitability of building the east side fire station west of Rowland Water District on 3021 S. Fullerton Road. Direct Staff to prepare a pro forma.
City Engineer Majdi Ataya presented the Staff Report on Item 17. Mr. Ataya stated that Option 1 is by La Habra Christian church, located at 1400 Bella Vista Drive. There is an engine house onsite, and the new building facility would be located adjacent and north of it. In order to ready this as a fire station, we would have to:
á get a 10 year lease with two 5 year options for the City to continue their use.
á The site is zoned as Institutional, so it would not be a problem to house the fire station there.
á We would need an initial Environmental study.
á Construction impacts would be noise, air emissions, vegetation removal, and storm water/and construction water runoff.
á Project impacts – Noise, light and glare during fire operations, visual impact on adjacent residential properties, runoff, and containment discharge during operations.
Mr. Ataya noted that exit in either direction from the station would not be easy. It could cause additional cost.
Construction Costs:
Option #1 – Modular building for office/living space – 1,330 sq. ft. @ $200/sf.
would cost $288,000.
Option #2 – Commercial type trailer for office/living space – 1,440 sq. ft. @ $70/sf. would cost $100,800
Mr. Ataya stated that Fire Chief Nielsen is fine with the manufactured home rather than the modular building. He provided pictures of each type. Mr. Ataya noted that lease price would be approximately $1 per year and Site Development would total about $180,000. Equipment would cost about $6,000 and Furniture and accessories for all the rooms would be about $5,500.
A - Option #1 total estimate is $619,000, service life 25 years for a cost of $24,760 per year.
B - Option #2 total estimate is $375,900, service life 18 years for a cost of $20,888 per year.
City Engineer Ataya stated that if Option 1 or 2 is not acceptable we have Option 3 to choose from.
C - Option #3
1. To explore the suitability of a fire station on City owned land at the corner of East Road, Skyline Drive and Fullerton Road or
2. To explore the suitability of building the east side fire station west of Rowland Water District on 3021 S. Fullerton Road.
Direct Staff.
Stephen Blagden gave a power point presentation. He suggested the Council wait until all of the cost considerations are in at the next Council Meeting. He stated that you should know how many calls are handled in that area and what type of calls they are. Mr. Blagden presented history on the type of calls and where they are over the years and commented on the difficulty of exit onto Harbor from the Church site. He noted his recommendation of the site located at East Road, Skyline Drive and Fullerton Road. Mr. Blagden stated that there are other locations that would be good also. He stated that there is approximately 1 call per week on the east side. Does this merit a fire station? He stated that it takes almost the same amount of time to get from the present Station as it would from Vista Road.
Karen Vipperman stated that she lives on the East side so it probably bothers her more that the Station is so far away from her. She stated that she disagrees with Mr. Blagden on numbers of calls from the East side. She noted that there is no price on human life. She stated that the East side had approximately 4 fires during the summer. The potential for fires in this city are everywhere, not just to the north. She stated that the East side did not get an Automatic Agreement and they do need a Fire Station. Ms. Vipperman agreed that in her opinion the East Road, Skyline Drive and Fullerton is the best place for the Station. It is more centrally located and is near Powder Canyon which is fire danger. Her concern was that the project might get shelved because it is too costly and complicated. We donŐt want that to happen.
George Edwardz commented that he had hoped that this would be continued since the Mayor was not here and we donŐt have the costs for Section C. Mr. Edwardz commented that since we will be able to use the Rio Hondo training facilities, the new station should not have to be as large. That should cut the cost of the new station. He questioned staffing the east side station with Paramedics. The dangerous Powder Canyon was grazing land when the fire maps were considered, and now it has grown and become a much bigger danger. A manned station on the east side should improve our ISO rating. It does matter as a point of information. He really favored the East Road, Skyline, Fullerton Road site, but we need the cost as soon as possible.
Council Member Baroldi expressed his concern that he would like to see the costs of Option C which are likely to be expensive.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll asked if anyone on the Council lives within 500 feet of any of the sites.
City Attorney Levin stated that this is always checked before it is on the Agenda and she determined that none live within 500 ft of any of the sites.
Council Member Vipperman stated that he was glad to see the pro forma, but he was a little surprised to see how high the cost was. He mentioned that the Habitat Authority had promised to give La Habra Heights 2.5 acres of land for a Fire Station in the Powder Canyon area in response to our City giving them the Diaz property. We should look into this.
Council Member Millsap stated that our City did not actually give the Diaz property to them, it was owned by the Diaz family. It was just part of the deal at that time. She did not remember the amount of land offered.
Interim City Manager Clark asked if they could also consider the area where the water company is moving their tank from on Skyline Drive.
Council Member Baroldi noted that he felt it would be hard to get in and out of that location.
The Fire Chief stated that they could look at it and measure it.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that they also need to know how it would be staffed and what that would cost.
Council Member Millsap stated that they should have a Captain.
Chief Nielsen agreed, stating that he had been speaking of specialized training and noted that they still would need room for daily training at the station. It would not all be done at the Rio Hondo training area.
Council Member Vipperman asked what the cost would be to evaluate C - Option #3 – b, west of the Rowland Water District. He noted that Council Member Millsap had indicated that it would not be an acceptable site but he would like to know the cost.
City Engineer Majdi stated that it would take 12 to 16 hours.
Council
Member Baroldi moved that Staff explore
Option C – a. and b at East
Road, Skyline Drive and Fullerton Road and west of Rowland Water District on
3021
Fullerton Road. The motion was seconded by Council Member Vipperman.
The consensus of the Council was that Option C – a. and b. should be with the same information as Option A and B.
The motion was approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
18. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO SECTION 2.9.20 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING AUTHORIZED FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS WITHIN THE CITY
This Item was continued.
NEW BUSINESS
19. ADOPTION OF TITLE 32 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE (AMENDING THE 2007 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE) AS A REFERENCE REPLACEMENT FOR THE 2001 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council provide first reading as is required by law, set a public hearing adopting Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code to be held at the March 13, 2008 City Council meeting, direct staff to provide notice of the public hearing and publish a summary of the Ordinance as required by law.
Interim City Manager Clark stated that we are adopting Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Fire Code (amending the 2007 California Fire Code and all of itŐs appendices except Appendix D and making local amendments.) She read the Title as required, noting the adoption Ňexcept Appendix DÓ
Fire Marshall Hill presented the Staff Report on Item 19. This does not change any City Code, but Title 32 is for reference. This will amend La Habra Heights Municipal Code Chapter 4.4 to the newly amended Title 32. Any changes do not affect our Municipal Code.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that with the revised packet, you have Exhibit A. What does that mean?
The Fire Marshall explained that this is referencing back to our current Municipal Codes. The State of California and the Los Angeles County Code represent La Habra Heights as a ŇVery High Fire Hazard Severity ZoneÓ. This shows how we are recognized. It gives the Fire Chief certain powers because of that recognition.
City Attorney Levin explained that every time the State of California issues a new Uniform Fire Code we must adopt any changes we make to that Uniform Fire Code and any changes that we have made. She noted that on page 4, at the top, after March 13, 2008, it should say Ňexcept Appendix DÓ.
Council Member Vipperman moved to adopt Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code (Amending the 2007 California Fire Code) as a reference replacement for the 2001 California Fire Code as the CityŐs Fire Code. The Interim City Manager read the Title of the Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Carroll. The motion was approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Carroll, Millsap, Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
City Attorney Levin stated that they will have the second reading on March 13, 2008.
20. WILDLIFE CORRIDOR CONSERVATION AUTHORITY – INCREASE IN PARTICIPATION FEES FROM $500 TO $2000 PER ANNUM
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.
Interim City Manager Clark explained that we are a member of the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) and they are requesting that we approve their increase of participation fees from $500 to $2000 per annum and that the Mayor sign a Joint Powers Authority Agreement with them.
Council Member Vipperman stated that he represents the City of La Habra Heights with WCCA. He stated that they have regular meetings mostly concerned with the wildlife traveling through the area. We use the offices of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory and use their services. For WCCA to pay their fair share for these services, it is appropriate for the dues increase. He recommended that the City of La Habra Heights accept the dues increase.
Council Member Vipperman moved to approve the increase from $500 to $2000 in WCCA fees. The motion was seconded by Council Member Baroldi and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
21. GATEWAY CITIES COG – INVOICE FOR UNPAID DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
RECOMMENDATION: That Council authorize payment of $7,524.37 for outstanding invoices owed to the Gateway Cities COG for fiscal year 07-08, and transfer $7,524.37 from the unappropriated reserve to the 07-08 budget line item for dues.
Interim City Manager Clark reported that she has received a bill from Gateway Cities COG informing us that we are delinquent in our dues for 2007-08. The bill is $9,514.37 and we paid only $2,000. She stated that it seems that this City has a habit of underpaying dues. We will have to transfer more money into the dues line item in order to pay this. Ms. Clark stated that she did a comparison of their charges of us with other cities and they are higher per Capita for us.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll commented that this is an organization we need to pay and he would like to bring to COGs attention creating a sub-committee and examining the dues and how they are set. They seem high for our small city.
Council Member Vipperman moved to pay the overdue bill. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carroll and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
22. PROPOSAL FROM MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, INC.
RECOMMENDATION: A. Authorize the Interim City Manager to enter into an agreement with Management Partners, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $6,700 (including expenses) for the payroll work to be done by Lisa Keeton.
B. Authorize the Interim City Manager to enter into an agreement with Management Partners, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $8,500 for the services for Dave Millican and Han Perkins in advising the city on financial procedural matters.
C. Authorize the Interim City Manager, working with the City Attorney, to enter into an agreement with Management Partners, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $9,500 for the generation of a confidential report identifying any areas of risk potential relating to the cityŐs fiscal operations.
Interim City Manager Clark commented that on December 27, 2007 the Council authorized going forward with a Management Audit to look at the cityŐs fiscal and information technology operations. As this progressed it became apparent that certain areas need attention. One problem we found to include payroll and we brought in Lisa Keeton for her expertise in payrolls. She is the Accounting Services Supervisor for Payroll and Benefits Sections of Santa Rosa, CA, and has already started working for us. The other thing we need is financial advice as we found with the financial audit that it does not line up with some of the numbers we have. Ms. Clark stated that the third thing she is asking for is a confidential report prepared with the Attorney. We donŐt know if we have a problem yet. She stated that there will be a public report of all of the procedures that we are working on to improve shortly.
` Council Member Millsap questioned some items in the letter from Management Partners, Inc., making sure that the Interim City Manager and City Attorney are watching these items closely.
Interim City Manager assured Council Member Millsap that the City will hold them to our budget.
City Attorney Levin noted that they have been told that the City will not sign to indemnify Management Partners against any claims or lawsuits associated with our advisory role on this project. The motion that we are asking the Council for tonight is to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement in a form acceptable with the City Attorney.
Council Member Vipperman moved to accept Item 22 authorizing the Interim City Manager, Shauna Clark to enter into an agreement with Management Partners, Inc. in a form agreeable to the CityŐs Legal Counsel in an amount not to exceed $24,700. The motion was seconded by Council Member Millsap and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Carroll, Millsap and Vipperman
NOES: None
ABSENT Bergman
23. CITY MANAGER GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This Item has been continued.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Fire Chief Nielsen stated that a resident noted that we share paramedics with Sierra Madre and this sends a wrong message to our residents. We do share paramedics with Sierra Madre and we do have resignations monthly of paramedics hired by other agencies, but it does not affect our staffing. We have a 24-7 full staff available and a line of paramedics waiting to work here.
Council Member Vipperman thanked the Council for passing Item 14 – AMERICA SUPPORTING AMERICANS: ADOPT-A-UNIT.
Mr. Vipperman stated that he got information from a resident who does not have on-site parking and recently received a citation for parking on the street. He did not have on-site parking when we became a City. Can he be grandfathered in?
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that they can talk about it at a later time.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll mentioned the 48th Annual Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts at the Hillcrest Congregational Church on February 22, 23, and 24, 2008.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA AND NOT ON THE AGENDA
Karen Vipperman commented that the Fire Safe Council was brought to the Community through George Edwardz connection with Cathy Brooke.
Bruce Thomas, Panchoy Place, noted that the Fire Captains have mostly been here for many years and know the streets. The ones that donŐt know the streets are the ones that ride in the back seat and donŐt need to know the streets. Mr. Thomas stated that his concern is that in a large emergency, the City will be in a lot of trouble if we donŐt have CERT people and others with some training to help. He stated his concern that the City doesnŐt want to listen to residents and that has caused the City to loose a lot of good help. Mr. Thomas told the Sheriff that at one time a sheriff on scene told him that they do not direct traffic.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated that they would adjourn to a Closed Session at 10:08 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll stated, at 10:59 p.m. that they just returned from Closed Session and he asked City Attorney Levin if there is anything to report.
City Attorney Levin stated that no reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Carroll adjourned the meeting to March 13, 2008 in the memory of John Lin who passed away recently from cancer.
City Council Member Baroldi also adjourned the meeting in the memory of La Habra City Councilman Steve Anderson who passed away.
ATTEST:
_____________________________________________
SHAUNA CLARK, INTERIM CITY CLERK