CC - 02-11-97MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 11, 1997
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CITY 0r 4C5;'EAD
DATE 9
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The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Clark at 8:00
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 Bruesch
The Invocation was delivered by Councilmember Vasquez
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:
Present: Councilmembers Bruesch, Taylor, Vasquez, Mayor Pro Tern Imperial, and
Mayor Clark
Absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: - None
L ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Estelle Holtz, 8347 Bleeker Avenue, South San Gabriel, requested information on the
status of a written confirmation from Ortel stating that they are withdrawing their proposal from
Rosemead. Ms. Holtz continued that this issue should be ended with a written communication
from Ortel.
Frank Tripepi, City Manager, stated that he has not received a letter from Ortel yet, but as
Mr. Kress confirmed at the January 28th meeting, should Ortel return with another proposal, they
would have to begin again at the Planning Commission level.
Councilman Taylor asked the City Attorney what is legally required to end this issue since
the Planning Commission approved this item and what steps would occur should Ortel pursue
returning to Rosemead again.
Robert Kress, City Attorney, explained that the Planning Commission only made a
recommendation to the Council and as of two weeks ago Ortel indicated that they are
withdrawing their proposal - a confirmation letter has not been received nor has any
communication about moving forward either. Mr. Kress stated that should Ortel return with a
viable proposal, it will be heard before the Planning Commission at a public hearing.
Mr. Tripepi added that Council has given direction that should that occur the proposal will
be heard before the Planning Commission with the explanation that many people are now involved
and concerned, and that letters will be mailed to everyone who wrote protest letters to the
Council notifying them of the pending public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Imperial asked that a call be placed to Ortel requesting a written response
from them stating that they are not interested in pursuing this matter any further.
Ms. Holtz stated that the Council is totally "insulated" from this entire issue and when she
toured Ortel's facilities, the President of Ortel confirmed that they were planning on future
expansion and were negotiating with SCE for purchase of their 3 acres next to Ortel's proposed
site. Ms. Holtz related Monterey Park's experience with a similar situation who has since declared
a moratorium on toxic chemicals but Rosemead is willing to allow Class 4 chemicals in the City by
changing an existing zone to a PD zone. Ms. Holtz reiterated again that the Ortel withdrawal
needs to be finalized.
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Mayor Clark stated that she is aware of the issue in Monterey Park and the two situations
are not the same.
Jonnie Matsdorf, 4833 N. Willard, Rosemead, stated that their organization favors Ortel
moving into Rosemead and hopes that Ortel will continue to pursue this move and the purchase of
the SCE property. Ms. Matsdorf continued that their organization includes a chemical engineer,
and that they have EPA reports and other information available for the Council and public should
Ortel choose to consider this move again.
Councilmember Bruesch stated that he does not feel he is "insulated" from this issue as he
has received letters and phone calls from his constituency, and that he has contacted chemists and
toxic cleanup specialist. Mr. Bruesch continued that any decision would be based on a thorough
study of the issues.
Councilmember Vasquez stated that this is now a moot issue and should this item be
presented before the Council again, that would be the time to make a decision.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None
III. LEGISLATIVE
A. RESOLUTION NO. 97-05 - CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
The following Resolution was presented to the Council for adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 97-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF
$384,433.91, NUMBERED 19010 THROUGH 19161.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BRUESCH, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
IMPERIAL that the Council adopt Resolution No. 97-05. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial
No:
None
Absent:
None
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 777 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AMENDING REGULATIONS FOR THE
SALE OF SAFE AND SANE FIREWORKS BY COMMUNITY NON-
PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS - ADOPT
The following Ordinance was presented to the Council for adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 777
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
AMENDING REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE OF SAFE AND SANE
FIREWORKS BY COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BRUESCH, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
IMPERIAL that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 777. Vote resulted:
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Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial
No:
None
Absent:
None
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carved and so ordered.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 779 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD ESTABLISHING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR
TAXICAB OPERATORS IN THE CITY - INTRODUCE
The following Ordinance was presented to the Council for introduction:
ORDINANCE NO. 779
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
ESTABLISHING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR TAXICAB
OPERATORS IN THE CITY - INTRODUCE
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM IMPERIAL, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
VASQUEZ that the Council introduce and Ordinance no. 779 on first reading, and schedule the
item for second reading at the meeting of February 25, 1997. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial
No:
None
Absent:
None
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. 1997-98 BUDGET CALENDAR
B. ACCEPTANCE OF ROSEMEAD PARK PICNIC SHELTERS AND PLAY
AREA PROJECT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
VASQUEZ that the Council approve the 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.
C. ENGINEERING PROPOSAL FOR PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM UPDATE - FISCAL YEAR 1996-97
MOTION BY COUNCII,MEMBER BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
VASQUEZ that the Council approve the engineering proposal and direct staff to begin the update
of the Pavement Management System and appropriate $7,500 of Gas Tax funds for the Pavement
Management System update. Vote resulted:
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Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial
No:
None
Absent:
None
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
V. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION
A. ENGINEERING PROPOSAL - VALLEY BOULEVARD STREET
IMPROVEMENTS
Councilmember Bruesch confirmed that replacement trees will have root guards and trees
that are designated for removal will be replanted with street trees. Mr. Bruesch asked what type
of shrubbery would be planted.
Mr. Tripepi responded that if the bubble curbs remain, those areas would be completely
re-landscaped; if not, then the proposal recommends planting street trees in the cutouts without
any shrubbery, and if the Council wishes, new trash receptacles.
Councilmember Bruesch stated that he had asked for a parking survey a few years ago on
Valley Boulevard to determine if extra parking spaces could be gained by levelling parking lots
next to each other that are at different grades and combining them to make extra parking spots.. light of
Mr. Bruesch stated that the Council decided the survey would be too costly; however, ingm-ef
the current proposed $2 1/2 million project, a survey may now be appropriate, especially for areas
east of Rosemead Boulevard.
Mr. Tripepi reminded Council that if plans for this project are not finalized and to the
State and Federal agencies for approval by September Ist, the City will forfeit $458,765.00 in
ISTEA appropriations. Mr. Tripepi stated that Council needs to make a decision soon on
whether or not to have meandering curbs.
Mayor Clark stated that she is concerned with the Chamber survey results and whether all
the businesses were notified from City-limit to City-limit along Valley Boulevard and are they
aware of the County's projected Congestion Management Plan of reverse flow traffic during peak
hours. Ms. Clark stated that she is not in favor of sacrificing the businesses' parking spaces along
Valley Boulevard for the congestion freedom of allowing freeway overflow traffic along Valley
Boulevard for people who have no intention of shopping or doing business in Rosemead. Ms.
Clark continued that if the bubbles are left in place, they will at least be a physical deterrent to the
County's plan at this time. Ms. Clark also expressed her concern that the State can withhold
funds for various projects which can ultimately affect non-related projects. Ms. Clark stated that
according to the survey results, there was not an overwhelming choice to remove the bubbles and
that she has drafted a letter to be sent to the businesses, with Council's approval, explaining what
could happen should they be removed and for a response back indicating for or against removal.
Councilmember Taylor stated the he agrees with the general concept of the proposal for
Valley Boulevard from City-limit to City-limit as far as correcting the lighting, landscaping and
other improvements, but the contention now is with the bubbles and parking. Mr. Taylor stated
that Council needs to make a decision soon so that City does not lose funding and that the
business owners can get together to assess costs and decide what they want to do on an on-going
basis.
Councilmember Vasquez stated that while walking Valley Boulevard, many business
owners he talked to wanted the bubbles removed.
Councilmember Bruesch asked Mr. Nichols from the Chamber if they could meet with
staff to discuss forming a rrwtt+ellybeee€ieial parking districts as another option.
mutual benefit
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Richard Nichols, Executive Director, Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, responded that
business owners would probably not want to expend the money and he has been in situations
where the use of eminent domain was used with success. Mr. Nichols stated that the businesses in
the "downtown" area of Rosemead want the meandering curbs removed; whereby the businesses
on the fringes would not be affected by the bubbles and do not want to change anything. Mr.
Nichols stated that the Chamber will send out the survey letter as requested by Mayor Clark.
Mayor Pro Tern Imperial stated the majority of businesses want the bubble curbs removed
and that the County cannot take away the only parking on Valley Boulevard.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMEER BRUESCH that the Council approve the engineering
proposal with the deletion of the bubble item which will be discussed at the next meeting. Before
vote could result, more discussion ensued.
Mr. Tripepi stated that the City Engineer can proceed with the Engineering plans with the
exception of the areas regarding the meandering curbs.
Robert Angles, 9147 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, asked if the City has received any
written confirmation from the County regarding their future plans for Valley Boulevard. Mr.
Angles stated that he favors removal of the bubbles curbs and shrubbery and suggested widening
the curbs by 3% install diagonal parking; and the left turn lanes on Valley Boulevard should be
redesigned.
Councilman Taylor clarified that the County has a timing program in place to control the
signals along Valley and Garvey Boulevards and that cities surrounding Rosemead have already
agreed with the County's reverse flow traffic plan.
Councilmember Bruesch stated the CalTrans controls the north/south signals at Valley
and Rosemead Boulevards and that he has asked for a 10-second increase in time at the left turn
lanes on Valley Boulevard onto Rosemead.
Mr. Tripepi stated that Caltrans controls the signals along Rosemead Boulevard literally
from the mountains to the ocean.
Mr. Angles stated the City needs to regain some control back. Mr. Angles continued that
business in Rosemead needs to be encouraged
Mayor Clark stated the City will receive a letter from SCAG explaining what the County's
plans were for reverse flow traffic.
Councilmember Bruesch stated that there is a motion on the floor and clarified his motion
that the Council approve the Engineering Proposal and remove the item regarding the removal of
bubbles for discussion at the next meeting.
Discussion ensued about including in the motion the letter to the businesses.
Mayor Pro Tern Imperial stated that the letter should clarify what the County's future
plans actually are.
Mayor Clark stated that the SCAG letter indicates that this plan is not active at this time
but was in the past.
Councilmember Bruesch added that he would like to see an update of the CMP in writing.
Hugh Foutz, City Treasurer, added that there is value in leaving the bubbles as is and to
relandscape planted areas and improve lighting. Mr. Foutz continued that removing the bubbles
could result in restricted parking as is the situation in front of his house.
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Councilmember Bruesch called for the question.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BRUESCH, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
IMPERIAL that the Council approve the Engineering Proposal with the removal of the bubble
curb item which will be discussed further at the next Council meeting, send businesses the survey
letter and the letter from SCAG. 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 that he would like to Minutes to state that he is in favor of
the concept and what was discussed, but he still does not like the financing or the construction
costs on this, but is in agreement with the project.
Councilmember Bruesch requested that the Traffic Engineer and our consultants discuss
with Caltrans the possibility of taking off 4 seconds westbound and add 4 seconds eastbound in
the afternoon and vice-versa in the mornings and have split phasing onto Rosemead Boulevard in
order to increase the number of left turns onto Rosemead as the traffic peaks.
VI. STATUS REPORTS - None
VII. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS
A. REQUEST FROM THE GREATER SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR A ONE TIME
FUNDING GRANT
Councilmember Bruesch explained that the Community Development Corporation,
established by the Federal Government, encourages the cooperation of local banks to sponsor
continuing grants of up to $50,000 to small businesses that are already established that might not
otherwise qualify. Mr. Bruesch stated that there are approximately 12 banks in Rosemead that
are involved in this program Mr. Bruesch continued that the City could earmark or stipulate the
funding for specific purposes, such as businesses moving into vacant buildings and he requested
that the Council support this item to provide a "one-time" grant to the Corporation of $5,000 or
$10,000.
Councilmember Taylor requested clarification in writing on the ability of the City to be
able to designate the purpose of the funding as banks usually make that decision and how can a
contribution of $5,000 spread between 23 or so businesses be effective to those businesses.
Councilmember Bruesch stated that as the CDC's funds grow and more money becomes
available, more businesses can apply for the loans. Mr. Bruesch stated that at the $10,000
donation level, the CDC guarantees that the City will realize returnsin the ensuing three years.
e ual to or greater than $10,000
Councilmember Taylor stated that the list of banks listed in the staff report are not all
Rosemead banks and requested that this item be deferred for more information. Mr. Taylor
continued that he does not have a problem with this item as long as the money is accessible to the
businesses as stipulated.
There being no objection this item was deferred pending further information.
B. COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR
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Requested information on Howard's Appliances - who is the owner of the property and
what will happen to their assets once the property is sold. Mr. Tripepi responded that the owner
and Mr. Bucci are gathering that information and this item will be brought back to the Council as
soon as it becomes available.
VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Richard Nichols, Executive Director, Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, announced that
the street banners sponsored by businesses will be hung along Valley Boulevard.
IX. CLOSED SESSION
A. The Council recessed to a Closed Session at 9:30 p.m. pursuant to Government
Code 54957.6 for the following purpose: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR
NEGOTIATOR. City Negotiator: Charles Goldstein. Employee Organization:
Rosemead Local 347, Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO.
The Council reconvened at 10:40 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 labor negotiator regarding Item
A.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 10:41 in memory
of Steve Blackburn who passed away last week. The next regular meeting is scheduled for
February 25, 1997.
Respectfully submitted:
e O,~a
City Clerk'
'
APPROVED:
YOR
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