Loading...
CC - 10-28-970 0 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 28, 1997 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Imperial at 8:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Mayor Imperial The Invocation was delivered by Councilmember Clark ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Present: Councilmembers Clark, Taylor, Vasquez, Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch, and Mayor Imperial Absent: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: OCTOBER 14, 1997 - REGULAR MEETING MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 14, 1997, be approved as submitted. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch No: None Absent: None Abstain: Imperial The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. PRESENTATIONS: - None I . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None H. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None III. LEGISLATIVE A. RESOLUTION NO. 97-46 - CLAIMS AND DEMANDS The following Resolution was presented to the Council for adoption. RESOLUTION NO. 97-46 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $222,852.83 NUMBERED 21591 THROUGH 21674 MOTION BY AGENCYMEMBER BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ that the Council adopt Resolution No. 97-46. Vote resulted: CC 10-28-97 Page #I 0 0 Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. B. RESOLUTION NO. 97-47 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PAYMENT FOR THE DEL MAR SEWER COLLECTOR The following resolution was presented to the Council for adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 97-47 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PAYMENT FOR THE DEL MAR SEWER COLLECTOR MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK that the Council adopt Resolution No. 97-47. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial No: Taylor Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. Councilmember Taylor stated for the record that he voted No as he believes City funds should be used. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items CC-A, CC-B and CC-D were removed it discussion purposes) CC-C RE-APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR PRO TEM ROBERT W. BRUESCH TO THE SAN GABRIEL MOSQUITO ABATEMENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR A TERM OF FOUR YEARS MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH that the Council re-appoint Mayor Pro Tem Robert W. Bruesch to a four year term to the Board of Trustees of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito Abatement District. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. CC-A RECEIPT AND AWARD OF BIDS FOR THE ROSEMEAD RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM, DEFERRED LOAN - 7959 NEWMARK AVENUE CC-B RECEIPT AND AWARD OF BIDS FOR THE ROSEMEAD RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM, DEFERRED LOAN - 8541 DRAYER LANE CC 10-28-97 Page k2 0 0 Councilmember Taylor requested an explanation why there were only two bids received on item CC-A while CC-B, a similar item, received nine bids. Damien Delaney, CDBG Coordinator, responded that the residential rehabilitation guidelines states that it is upon the homeowner to select contractors and to obtain bids. Councilmember Taylor asked what were the circumstances involved in the homeowner receiving only two bids. Mr. Delaney the house was built in the late 1920's and due to questions regarding the roof rafters, two contractors decided not to bid. Mr. Delaney continued that the homeowner is given a list of contractors that have been screened and have a current Contractor's license and that the homeowner is asked to contact a minimum of three contractors. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK that the Council approve the two aforementioned items. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. CC-D APPROVAL OF SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK BIDS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF STREET TREES ON OLNEY STREET Councilmember Taylor stated that he looked at the Camphor tree at the Rosemead Community Center and they drop dark berries that stain the sidewalk. Mr. Taylor requested information on the meeting with the residents of Olney street regarding this issue. Michael Burbank, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the concerns of the residents were that whatever replacement tree was planted, that it acts as a canopy over the street as the current maple trees do now. Mr. Burbank continued that the Podocarpus trees were considered; however, they too drop berries and while there is not a perfect tree, those two aforementioned trees will canopy over the street. Mr. Burbank introduced Dave Hayes, Arborist, to conduct the slide presentation and answer any questions. Dave Hayes, Arborist, Willdan Associates, commented on the slides of Camphor and Podocarpus trees in various neighborhoods. Mr. Hayes stated that the Municipal Arborists do not consider the fruit drop from these trees a significant negative detraction, as the berries drop for a short period of time and do not create a slipping, falling type hazard. The third tree featured was a Chinese Flame tree and Mr. Hayes explained that this tree also creates a canopy; however, it is deciduous and drops its leaves and fruit at the same time, but, the fruit droppings disintegrate rapidly. Frank Tripepi, City Manager, explained that staff is not recommending any one particular tree, but is trying to create the same shade and canopy effect the neighbors presently enjoy. Mr. Burbank added that the residents wanted a shade tree, which would rule out some of the smaller trees. Councilmember Taylor stated that the Camphor tree berries leave an oily stain on the sidewalk and was concerned that these berries falling on parked cars would become a nuisance. CC 10-28-97 Page 43 0 0 Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch asked about replacing the trees with Maple trees as are there now. Mr. Burbank responded that similar problems would occur in the future. Mr. Hayes stated that Silver Maples are fast growing trees, but are considered "weed" trees, they are very brittle, with limb breakage, and drop leaves and seeds. Mr. Hayes continued that they do, however, grow fast and provide a lot of shade. Councilman Taylor asked what type of trees are on the tree list and have any Camphor trees been planted previously. Mr. Burbank responded that there is a myriad of trees on the list and Camphor trees have not been planted. However, new trees are usually planted to match what is already existing in that street. Councilmember Clark requested information on the outcome of the meeting with the residents. Mr. Burbank responded that he researched the Fern Pine as a possibility as requested by a resident, looked again at the Camphor tree, and that Mr. Hayes recommended a third alternate, and residents were notified of the date of the Council meeting and what the final recommendation is. Loretta Urquidi, 9721 E. Olney, Rosemead, stated she has a tree that is recommended for removal and that the canopy effect was what attracted her to buy her home in 1968, and that the trees also absorb some of the freeway noise. Ms. Urquidi asked if all of the trees have to be removed at the same time as some are not as endangered and by leaving those, it would give the new trees planted a chance to grow, plus the residents can still enjoy the benefits of the shade the old trees provide. Mr. Burbank responded that of the 46 trees on that street, 17 trees, scattered throughout the street, need to be removed immediately; the Arborist recommends retaining 13 trees with reservation, for 2 to 3 years before the tree is dangerous; and, to monitor the 16 trees remaining. Mayor Imperial suggested leaving the trees and replacing them as necessary out of consideration for the residents. Councilmember Taylor stated that instead of removing all of the trees, remove the 30 trees and retain the 16 trees that need monitoring, which will indicate to the residents that the Council is endeavoring to respect their wishes. Mr. Burbank suggested removing the 30 trees and replant with a 24" box tree. Councilmember Clark asked Ms. Urquidi what the consensus of the neighbors was regarding the planting of a Camphor tree. Ms. Urquidi responded that the neighbors were concerned with losing their shade trees rather than being for or against the Camphor tree. MOTION BY VICE-CHAIRMAN BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK that the Council approve the removal of 30 trees and replace them with the Camphor trees and to retain and monitor the remaining 16 trees with reports back to Council periodically; and approve the specifications and authorize advertisement for bids by the City Clerk. Vote resulted: CC 10-28-97 Page N4 • e Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. V. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION A. APPROVAL OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS' REQUEST TO INCLUDE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF COMMUNICATIONS CONDUIT WITH THE VALLEY BOULEVARD STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Councilmember Taylor suggested accepting up front the $85,000 from L.A. County Department of Public Works for the installation rather than wait and encounter possible future problems in trying to obtain the money then. Mayor Imperial stated that the City should fund this project in order to retain control. Councilmember Clark requested information on the Closed Circuit Television cameras that will be installed along Valley Boulevard. Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch responded that the TV cameras presently installed along the freeways detect slowing and congested areas, which are monitored in a central office in downtown L.A. Mr. Bruesch continued that the cameras positioned along Valley Boulevard will provide the same monitoring to adjust traffic signal length and to allow traffic to flow more smoothly. Ken Rukavina, City Engineer, stated that this project will also include installation of sensors for traffic volume counts and the cameras can also be used for incident detection to better coordinate traffic after an accident. Councilmember Clark asked if these sensors will be placed at the freeway off-ramps also and could the communication system proposed be used for the City's franchise abilities regarding future telecommunications purposes. Ms. Clark stated that she would prefer the City funding the $85,000 thus retaining control of future projects. Councilman Taylor stated that it would not be practical for the City to expend $85,000 then wait 5 to 10 years to try and bargain with the County for future projects, and the County should pay for this project at this point. Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch asked if the City or County would receive credits for the congestion mitigation under the AQMD rules. Councilmember Clark asked if this decision could be deferred without affecting the project. MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ that the Council authorize staff to amend the plans and specifications for the Valley Boulevard improvements to include installation of the communications conduit, and to determine at the next meeting if the City or Los Angeles County will pay the $85,000. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None CC 10-28.97 Page #5 9 • The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. VI. STATUS REPORTS - None VII. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS The following item VII. C. was taken out of order in deference to those in the audience. C. RE-BUILDING OF THE COUNTY USC MEDICAL CENTER Supervisor Gloria Molina, Supervisor, 1 st District, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors asked for Council's support for her proposal to rebuild the County USC Medical Center, which has sustained earthquake damage over the years, to provide for a 750-bed medical center that will meet the area needs of the County's indigent population and sustain the emergency and trauma network. Supervisor Molina explained that on November 12, 1997, the Board of Supervisors will discuss final rebuilding plans, how to pay for it, and how to fund the operation of this facility. Ms. Molina continued that FEMA has committed $462 million for the reconstruction and the County will receive SB 1732 (State financing for County hospitals) monies of up to $250 million. Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch stated that he supports this rebuilding and explained that there are only 13 trauma hospitals from the promised 26 which affects local hospitals in providing adequate care. Councilmember Clark stated that she supports rebuilding the medical center also as her oldest daught took her training to be a medical doctor there and knows the need for the hospital. Ms. Clark continued that her youngest daughter experienced a life threatening emergency situation on New Year's eve almost two years ago and once she was stabilized at the emergency hospital, it took the hospital nearly four hours before they could find a bed available. Ms. Clark stressed that should a natural disaster or outbreak of a disease occur she does not want to be caught shortsighted on this issue. MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ that the Council support the re-building of the 750 bed County USC Medical Center. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. A five-minute recess was called at 9:20 p.m. and the meeting was reconvened accordingly. A. UNAPPROVED MINUTES OF JUNE 25, 1996 Councilmember Taylor requested that this item be deferred to the next meeting. There being no objection, the Mayor deferred this item to the next meeting. Councilmember Clark, requested for the record that her comments under VII. Matters from Officials emphasize that the Los Angeles area is not protected by the Strategic Air Command from missile attack. Ms. Clark's comments will be included in these minutes for approval at the November 25, 1997 meeting. CC 10-29-97 Page #6 El 0 B. CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT SCAG REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch suggested sending a letter to SCAG informing them that we are not in agreement with VMT's and to request stronger language regarding the Alameda Corridor East Project as it is not addressed adequately enough. Mr. Bruesch stated that the extension of the rail lines east through the San Gabriel Valley will highly impact the streets that go through Rosemead. Councilmember Taylor stated that he agrees with Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch regarding the impact of the Alameda Corridor. Mr. Taylor added that a disproportionate share of public subsidy money will be given to heavy rail and that not enough information has been available. Councilmember Clark stated that she would like the letter to stress a strong objection to the odometer fee as this will affect low-income people the most. Ms. Clark continued that the report states that the current tax per gallon of gasoline shows declining revenues due to increasingly efficient vehicles, and that a SCAG study rejected raising existing taxes as it would require a 2/3 vote from the public and by calling this a "fee" instead, it would avoid the Prop 218 passage requiring any assessments to be placed on the ballot for approval. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMEER TAYLOR that the Council approve sending a letter to SCAG with strong language opposing the VMT fees and to urge that more study and consideration be given to the Alameda East Corridor Program. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Jim Smith, 3038 N. Prospect, Rosemead, thanked the Councilmembers for attending the 50th Anniversary of the Rosemead Christian Church. LX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further action to be taken at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 1997, at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: City Clerk APPROVED: /C(a4.. VMAYOR CC 10-28-97 Page #7