Loading...
CC - 03-25-97• • MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL MARCH 25, 1997 APPROVED CITY OF OS E A4EAD - 12Z2 DATE f4 4 TAY The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Imperial at 8:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Councilmember Clark The Invocation was delivered by City Treasurer Foutz ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Present: Councilmembers Clark, Taylor, Vasquez, Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch, and Mayor Imperial Absent: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 28, 1997 - REGULAR MEETING MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR, that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 28, 1997, be approved as submitted. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. Councilmember Taylor requested an update on the Code Enforcement position. Frank Tripepi, City Manager, responded that this position will remain a full-time position with the City and we are currently recruiting. Councilmember Taylor requested an update on Howard's Appliance proposed move to Rosemead. Mr. Tripepi responded that Mr. Bucci has not responded with a proposal as yet; however, Mr. Bucci is investigating the possibility of purchasing the adjacent property. PRESENTATIONS: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Lou Muto, 4722 La Presa Avenue, Rosemead, stated that within the last three days he counted 9 to 1 I shopping carts on Ivar and Muscatel in the northwest section of Rosemead and that he talked with the manager at Ralphs and was informed that Ralphs only picks up their own carts. Mr. Tripepi stated that the City and Consolidated Disposal will pick up "orphan" carts. CC 3-12-97 Page #1 Mr. Muto offered the following suggestions: that the City develop a sign citing the section of the Ordinance that prohibits taking carts from premisis and post those signs in the markets; that the City purchase the 2-wheel shopping pull carts available at the supermarkets and sell them at -cost to the residents; and, ask the Sheriffs Deputies to pass out warnings to violators rather than cite them. Mayor Imperial assured Mr. Muto that the City will continue to work on this problem. Councilmember Clark agreed that this is a problem and referred to an article in the Tribune regarding the passage of the Bill prohibiting cities from picking up carts. James Kofller, 4709 Bartlett, Rosemead, stated that he has noticed a general deterioration of the appearance of the City, that residents are leaving trash out for days at a time, and vacant lots are littered and weed infested. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None III. LEGISLATIVE A. RESOLUTION NO. 97-11 - CLAIMS AND DEMANDS The following Resolution was presented to the Council for adoption. RESOLUTION NO. 97 - 11 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $559,007.02 NUMBERED 19434 THROUGH 19567. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ that the Council adopt Resolution No. 97-11. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. Juan Nunez, 2702 Del Mar, Rosemead, asked if the credit card charge of $404.00 to the National League of Cities Conference was the entire bill. Mr. Tripepi responded that that charge was just one phase of the entire bill. B. RESOLUTION NO. 97-12 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, URGING LOCAL POST OFFICE BRANCHES TO FLY THE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED POW/MIA FLAG MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ that the Council adopt Resolution No. 97-12. Before vote could ensue, more discussion occurred. Councilmember Taylor requested that his comments be verbatim for items II. B. and C. to prevent any misunderstanding. CC 3-12-97 Page #2 9 0 VERBATIM DIALOGUE STARTS: COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR: I have the utmost respect for the intent of putting this resolution in. But, all of us have certain preferences and prejudices and favoritism. The way I read this, that this flag could fly at the Post Office or other facilities all year long. Is that collect? MAYOR IMPERIAL: It could very well be. That's the intent. TAYLOR: The reason I'm going to vote No on it because I was in the building today with the Disable American Veterans and they've had their legs blown off, their arms blown off, their eyes out, permanently blind, shell-shocked, all types of medical problems. And, I only mention that because it crossed my mind that that group of men and women is just as important to me as the POW's are. It says inhere 10,000... what wars are they talking about? These 10,000... IMPERIAL: They're talking about the Korean and Vietnam war, Mr. Taylor. TAYLOR: Second World War? IMPERIAL: No, not Second World War. We're talking primarily about Korea and Vietnam. TAYLOR: And again, I don't want it to be disrespectful, I want a clear understanding of where I'm coming from. There are hundreds of organizations in the United States that are entitled to have their flags flown also. If this was for one week out of the year, I would support it. But, in fairness to all the other groups, I can't vote for it because I am now picking one group above the many other hundreds. So, I'm not against this group, but...the policy I can't accept. If it was for one week I would vote for it. So, the way it is, I have to vote No, but, I would like it in the Minutes verbatim why. I respect this group, but I also respect the others. IMPERIAL: Any further comments? I'd like to make one. I'm retired from the military, Mr. Taylor, I suppose you know that. I'm a Korean and Vietnam Vet. I hear all this garbage about the war being over. The war is not ever over until the last man gets home. And, that's what it's all about. TAYLOR: They will never be home, Mr. Imperial. IMPERIAL: Well, then the war will never be over. We've got people out there dealing with this right now trying to make amends and we're looking for half of our troops. I want that to go into the record verbatim also. MARGARET CLARK: Mr. Mayor. I have to agree with the Mayor that this is a group of people that our country has turned its back on and I think it's a disgrace and I think it's the least we can do for them. IMPERIAL: Do you want your comments verbatim too? CLARK: Yes. IMPERIAL: On Item B.; vote please. VERBATIM DIALOGUE ENDS: Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Imperial, Clark, Bruesch No: Taylor Absent: None Abstain: None CC 3-12-97 Page 93 • The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. C. RESOLUTION NO. 97-13 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, URGING CITIES TO FLY THE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED POW/MIA FLAG AT ALL CITY FACILITIES The following Resolution was presented to the Council for adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 97-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, URGING CITIES TO FLY THE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED POW/MIA FLAG AT ALL CITY FACILITIES MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMEER VASQUEZ that the Council adopt Resolution No. 97-13. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: Taylor Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. Councilmember Taylor stated his verbatim comments on this item are the same as for the previous item II. B. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR CC-A REQUEST FROM WE-TIP TO PLACE AD IN PROGRAM FOR 1997 NATIONAL CONFERENCE CC-B AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND ROSEMEAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1997 PLANNING CONFERENCE, VENTURA, APRIL 17- 19,1997 CC-C REQUEST FROM YMCA OF WEST SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TO HAND BANNER ADVERTISING CAMP TA TA POCHON BEGINNING APRIL 14TH THROUGH MAY 12TH, 1997 CC-D ATTEND 38TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA CONTRACT CITIES ASSOCIATION SEMINAR, PALM SPRINGS, MAY 15-18,1997 CC-F AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA ANNUAL INSTITUTE - APRIL 24-26, SANTA CLARA CC-G APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP NO. 24639 - 3135 BARTLETT AVENUE CC-I REQUEST FOR RED CURB ON STEVEN AVENUE SOUTH OF HELLMAN AVENUE CC-J INSTALLATION OF RED CURB ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF RAMONA BOULEVARD EAST OF WALNUT GROVE AVENUE CC-K ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENT DEED FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE PURPOSES - 2608 NEW AVENUE CC 3-12-97 Page #4 • C~ CC-M AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CONFERENCE, APRIL 5-8,1997, SAN DIEGO CC-P APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILMEMBER CLARK AS ALTERNATE TO THE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DRIECTORS CC-Q APPROVAL OF CARNIVAL AGREEMENT FOR THE 1997 4TH OF JULY/CITY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK that the Council approve the aforementioned items. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. The following items on the Consent Calendar were taken out of order. CC-E AUTHORIZATION TO REJECT CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY BY JAVIER DURAN Juan Nunez, 2702 Del Mar, Rosemead, asked why the City is rejecting this claim when it is a City tree that damaged the water pipes. Robert Kress, City Attorney, responded that this is a routine procedural step and claims are sent to the City's insurance adjuster for negotiation. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILWOMAN CLARK that the Council approve the rejection of this claim and authorize a letter of rejection be sent to the claimant. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. CC-L ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT DEED FOR STREET PURPOSES - 2602 DEL MAR AVENUE Juan Nunez, 2703 Del Mar, Rosemead, asked if the City will be able to take property that has not been acquired yet for future street construction. Fred Wickman, City Engineer, responded that Del Mar Avenue is a secondary arterial street which requires conformance to the City's Circulation Element of the Master Plan of obtaining the ultimate street width of 80', and that the majority of the properties along the street have already dedicated sufficient land for that right-of-way. Councilmember Taylor asked how will this affect the future undergrounding of utilities on Del Mar. CC 3-12-97 Page #5 • 0 Mr. Wickman responded that there is not full right-of-way along the corridor of Del Mar and that all undergrounding of utilities will take place within the existing right-of-way. Councilmember Taylor stated that he wants to ensure that the undergrounding of the utilities will not be in conflict if the street is widened in the future. Mr. Taylor requested a written response on this issue. Mr. Taylor continued that he wants to avoid the problem of the City acquiring all the 4' right-of-ways to widen the street, then proceed to underground the utilities, then having to confront the problem of underground utilities being out in the new street when the street widening project begins. Mr. Nunez stated when Del Mar was improved, he could not dedicate any property due to parking problems and the street narrows nears his house and was concerned that the City might want him to dedicate once the street widening project begins. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ that the Council accept the document and direct the City Clerk to record the deed together with the certification of acceptance. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. CC-N SB 689 (JOHNSON) - REGULATORY TAKINGS: HOURS AND MANNER OF BUSINESS OPERATION - OPPOSE Councilmember Taylor asked how this bill will affect street and highway construction crews and businesses. Mr. Tripepi responded that this bill deals more with legislative authority over C.U.P.'s, regulation and use of buildings, structures and land use. Councilmember Bruesch added that this bill would give any business the right to operate the hours they wish without any City controls. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BRUESCH that the Council oppose SB 689 (Johnson) and authorize the Mayor to sign the proper correspondence. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. CC-H INSTALLATION OF RED CURB AT 8924 GARVEY AVENUE Councilmember Taylor requested an update on this item. Mr. Tripepi recommended deferring this item for two weeks. Mr. Tripepi added that a Parking Control Officer was assigned to that area last Saturday to issue tickets to people parking in the driveway and that 12 citations were written from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Mr. Tripepi stated that a video provided by the Water Auto Shop owner shows approximately twenty vehicles creating traffic problems by parking in their driveway approach from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8. CC 3-12-97 Page #6 Councilmember Taylor agreed that this item should be deferred to better define the days when peak parking violations occur and to study this issue further. Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch requested information on the process of changing or expanding the poultry business when this item returns on the agenda. Helena Shui, Water Auto Works, stressed the necessity of red curbing on either side of her driveway because their customers cannot enter their driveway as cars parked for the poultry business block the driveway approach and that situation becomes worse on weekends and holidays. There being no objection, this item was deferred to the next meeting. CC-O AB 923 (McCLINTOCK) - DISSOLUTION OF REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES - OPPOSE Councilmember Taylor stated that he cannot vote for this bill and while there may have been abuses of the redevelopment process, this bill blankets dissolution of all redevelopment agencies by January 1, 1998. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ that the Council oppose AB 923 (McClintock) and authorize the Mayor to forward the appropriate correspondence. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: Taylor The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. Councilmember Taylor stated that he Abstained for further information. V. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION A. APPROVAL OF LANE CONFIGURATION ON VALLEY BOULEVARD AT ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch explained that with the lane configuration, the City is not asking Caltrans to increase the time allotted for left turn movement on Valley Boulevard, but to change the amount of time currently allowed for those turns. Mr. Bruesch stated that changing the time will not affect north and southbound traffic, but will phase it at a split-phase during rush hours to allow more cars to make left turns. Councilmember Taylor requested staff to check the intersection of Broadway and San Gabriel Boulevard in San Gabriel as westbound traffic turning south onto San Gabriel. Boulevard has a long left turn arrow, while through traffic has a red signal and questioned the reason for that. Mr. Taylor requested that staff time the lights at Las Tunas and Rosemead, as Las Tunas has two left-turn pockets onto Rosemead Boulevard and allows passage of more than four cars. Mr. Tripepi responded that those streets are city streets and, therefore, those cities are able to control the signals. Mr. Tripepi stated that Valley Boulevard may not be wide enough for two left-turn lanes and should the left-turn pocket be optional from the number one lane, then a driver not turning left can stop on green and hold up the rest of traffic behind him. Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch stated that with split-phasing those choices are not necessary, there will be double the time during rush hours for cars to turn left. Mr. Bruesch asked the Traffic Engineer to contact Caltrans regarding the possibility of split-phasing. CC 3-12-97 Page #7 Joanne Itagaki, Traffic Engineer, responded that she will work with Caltrans to possibly increase the timing during morning and afternoon peak hours. Councilmember Taylor stated that one proposal, while is an ideal situation for traffic flow, recommends restricting parking for 180' to 200' approximately on Valley Boulevard east and west of Rosemead Boulevard. Mr. Taylor continued that those restrictions would affect businesses in that area and elimination of right turn lanes would cause buses that are picking up passengers to block traffic flow in that lane. Councilmember Taylor stated that eliminating right turn lanes and making them through lanes may not be the solution and that he agrees with deferring this item pending further information from Caltrans. Mr. Tripepi reminded Council that part of this project is funded by ISTEA money, with approvals needed from Caltrans and the Government by September 1, 1997. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ that the Council approve Plan "D" to restripe Valley Boulevard as it exists currently, and instruct staff to work with Caltrans to gain additional timing on left turn lanes onto Rosemead Boulevard. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. Daniel 8952 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead representing Lee's Furniture Store, stated that he favors Plan "A". VI. STATUS REPORTS - None A. EXISTING LAW REGARDING SHOPPING CART RETRIEVAL No action required on this item. VII. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS A. COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ 1. Stated that the newly installed cross gutter across the streets of De Adalena and Rio Hondo are too steeply dipped. Mr. Tripepi responded that the City Engineering is working with the contractor to rectify this problem. 2. Asked for any comments regarding rent control. Councilmember Taylor and Mayor Imperial stated that they do not favor rent control and agreed that with rent control, landlords will not improve properties. B. COUNCILMEMBER CLARK Stated that Bill Jones, Secretary of State is sponsoring legislation to have voters present I.D. at polling places and that under this bill, AB 383 (Ackerman), acceptable documents would include a CA Driver's License, CA I.D., valid voter registration card and a sample ballot mailed to voters home address. Ms. Clark stated that the Council has gone on record previously supporting voter fraud bills and asked that this bill be tracked as it may appear before a committee before the next Council meeting, which may necessitate a Council action. Mr. Tripepi explained that this item could be placed on tonight's agenda as an urgency item that came up after agenda was prepared. CC 3-12-97 Page #8 MOTION BY COUNCILMEM 3ER CLARK, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH that the Council approve to amend the agenda to include this item and determine that the need to take action on this item arose after the posting of the agenda and that there is a need to take action at this evening's meeting. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch, Clark No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH that the Council support AB 383 (Ackerman) requiring voters to present valid I.D. at polling places. 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 - None IX. CLOSED SESSION A. The Council recessed to a Closed Session at 9:10 p.m. pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 for the following purpose: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Agency Negotiator: Charles Goldstein. Employee Organization: Rosemead Local 347, Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO The Council reconvened at 9:37 p.m. in an Open Session. Robert Kress, City Attorney, stated that the Council met in a Closed Session for the purposes as stated on the Agenda and provided direction to the City's labor negotiator. IX. 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 Tuesday, April 8, 1997, at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: APPROVED: City Clerk O CC 3-12-97 Page 49