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CC - Minutes 07-27-04NO7- a1~7FIC/AL UNTIA. ADOPTED BY THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ROSEIb9EAD ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL C/TY COUNCIL JULY 27, 2004 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 Mayor Clark. The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Alarc6n. ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Present: Councilmembers Alarc6n, Vasquez, Taylor, Mayor Pro Tern Imperial, and Mayor Clark Absent: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JULY 13, 2004 - REGULAR MEETING Mayor Clark requested that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 13, 2004, be deferred. There being no objection, the Minutes were deferred. PRESENTATIONS: None 1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Juan Nunez, 2702 Del Mar, Rosemead, asked how much money does the City contribute to the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce. Bill Crowe, City Manager, responded that the City contributes $45,000. Mr. Nunez asked can he, as a resident, be barred from attending their meetings, and if it is the Chamber's policy not to allow the public in. Mr. Taylor continued that giving money to the Chamber is not an unusual practice, as it allows the Chamber to promote the City with new businesses that come in, and that the City does not tell the Chamber how to run their meetings. Mr. Nunez asked if the Planning Commission will be approving the E.I.R. at the August 16, 2004 meeting. Mr. Nunez asked what will happen after the'project is built. CCMIN:7-27-04 Page N I Councilman Taylor stated that the August 16"i Planning Commission meeting will be a public hearing, that everyone is welcome to attend and to ask their questions at that time. The City will then hold a public hearing in September, at which time the Council will receive input from the Planning Commission meeting. Oscar Cazares, 2433 La Presa, Rosemead, asked what the City is doing regarding the increasing problem with day laborers that congregate at Garvey Avenue and San Gabriel Boulevard. Mayor Clark replied that the Council has studied this problem for years. That at one time a solution had been reached at Pine Street to install "No Parking", signs and the contractor would be cited for stopping to pick up the laborers. Mayor Clark stated that the residents decided that they did not want those signs after all. Mayor Clark explained that this continues to be a problem, as laws have been passed that seem to give the day laborers more rights than the residents. Mayor Pro Tern Imperial replied that the City has done everything possible to mitigate this problem, but there are no longer any vagrancy or anti-loitering laws. Councilman Taylor agreed that this is a frustrating situation. Mr. Taylor suggested to Mr. Cazares that he can file a citizen's complaint and testify as to who committed the crime, then the Sheriffs can take action. Mr. Cazares stated that his other complaint was graffiti on the wall at the northbound walkway at the I10 Freeway and Walnut Grove, and that he has been calling this in since May 22nd Don Wagner, Assistant City Manager, replied that the City tries to keep that area graffiti free and that the crews may not have found that particular area. Mr. Wagner stated that he will look into this matter with the graffiti crew. Norma Valdepena, 2630 N. Bartlett, Rosemead, stated her concern that "Children Crossing" signs have not been posted on Walnut Grove despite her request to the Council three years ago. Ms. Valdepena continued that she is a crossing guard and she and the children have almost been hit by speeding cars. Lt. Wallace, Temple Station, stated that traffic regulations near schools are being enforced by the motorcycle units. Lt. Wallace suggested that Ms. Valdepena call him or City Hall with future concerns. Councilman Taylor asked if there is a 25 mph speed limit sign on Walnut Grove when students are in session. CCMIN:7.27-04 Page a2 Lt. Wallace stated that since Fern School sits some distance from Walnut Grove, a Judge will not honor any signage on Walnut Grove. Any signage will have to comply with California State law. Ron Gay, 4106 Encinita Avenue, Rosemead, pointed out that the Council is aware of the impact that could happen if the Wal-Mart project goes forward. Mr. Gay explained that Wal- Mart's track record is very bad for cities and hopefully, the City can remedy this issue with other types of proposals for that property. Polly Low, 1039 La Presa, Rosemead, stated her concern with increased traffic, especially around Walnut Grove and San Gabriel Boulevards. Her other concerns are with increased traffic at the nearby school and Wal-Marts impact on the small businesses. Marlene Shinen, 8447 Drayer Lane, South San Gabriel, stated that Wal-Mart would negatively impact her neighborhood. Ms. Shinen showed the Council a poster with a photo of a truck accident in Irwindale. Ms. Shinen related a similar type of truck accident that occurred on the 60 Freeway when a truck flipped over and tied up the freeway for eight hours. Ms. Shinen stated that according to the E.I.R., there will be an increase of 200 Wal-Mart delivery trucks, day and night. Ms. Shinen expressed her concern that many schools are along truck routes. Ms. Shinen added that the loading docks are only 100' from homes. Paul Thomson, 8320 Scenic Drive, South San Gabriel, expressed his concern that he is getting evasive and incorrect answers to his questions as to who is purchasing the property and the type of corporation the City is. Robert Kress, City Attorney, suggested that Mr. Thomson write down his questions and they will be answered. Tonight is not the public hearing. Mayor Clark reminded Mr. Thomson the tonight is not a question and answer period. That will occur at the Planning Commission public hearing and the Council public hearing after that. Julie Gentry, 8915 Nevada Avenue, Rosemead, stated that there has been a lot of negativity lately, and that she is here on behalf of a great many people who appreciate and thank the Council for all their hard work. Richard Bauman, 8305 Scenic Drive, South San Gabriel, expressed his concern with Delta Street between Rush and San Gabriel Boulevard. Mr. Bauman explained that the Draft E.I.R. and Planning Commission takes a naive view as to the importance of this issue by reporting that Delta will not be affected by an increase in traffic. Delta is a narrow 2-lane road, and is used for parking by the students of Don Bosco High School. Mr. Bauman asked how will emergency vehicles access those homes once the project is built. CCMIN:7-27-04 Page s3 H. PUBLIC HEARING A. PUBLIC HEARING - APPROVAL OF PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ROSEMEAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR USE OF HOME FUNDS At the meeting of September 14, 2004, Councilman Taylor requested that the Rosemead Housing Development Commission Meeting of July 27, 2004 regarding the same item: APPROVAL OF PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD FOR USE OF HOME FUNDS, be verbatim and included as part of the aforementioned City's Public Hearing. Said Verbatim Minutes are attached. Bill Crowe, City Manager, presented the staff report. . The Mayor opened the public hearing for those in the audience wishing to speak for or against this item. Juan Nunez, 2702 Del Mar, Rosemead, stated that the people living in some of the apartments don't take pride in the area. Mr. Nunez continued that the area is tagged, including the curbs and medians. Mr. Nunez stated that this program may actually promote more crime unless conditions are imposed on the renter. Mayor Clark pointed out that this is Federal money, which will go to another city if we do not use it. Bill Crowe, City Manager, replied that other public agencies are doing this type of program and that this should be considered as a pilot program. Mr. Nunez stated again that conditions should be imposed on the renters. Mr. Crowe replied that covenants are imposed on the owners regarding criminal activities. There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing. MOTION BY COUNCILMAN ALARCON, SECOND BY COUNCILMAN VASQUEZ that the Council approve the partnership with the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation; authorize the City Attorney to finalize the commitment agreement and related documents; authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all agreements; and to bring back the program guidelines for approval at a later date. Vote resulted: Yes: Alarcon, Vasquez, Clark, Imperial No: Taylor Absent: None Abstain: None CCMIN:7-27-04 Page #4