CC - 11-17-87 - Adjourned MeetingAPPROVED
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETINCOATE 7
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL BY
NOVEMBER 17, 1987
The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Rosemead City Council was
called to order by Mayor Cleveland at 7:05 p.m. in the Conference
Room of City Hall, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
The Pledge to the Flag was led by Councilman McDonald.
The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Taylor.
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:
Present: Councilmen McDonald, Taylor, Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch, and
Mayor Cleveland
Absent: None - Councilman Imperial entered the Conference Room
at 7:30 p.m.
Mayor Cleveland m+
Adjourned Meeting was
Commerce to meet with
goal being to begin a
allow the development
means to enhance City
business community.
ide the announcement that the purpose of this
to allow members of the Rosemead Chamber of
the members of the Rosemead City Council. The
dialogue between these two groups that would
of a long-term partnership creating ways and
pride and present a more positive image for the
Mayor Cleveland recognized Mr. Don Riddle, owner Howard's Rug
company, and member of the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Riddle stated that the idea for this meeting had arisen from
a Chamber of Commerce Planning Conference held the previous year. A
primary concern had been the influx of minority business owners and
ways to assimilate these new owners into the business community. A
suggestion was made that this assimilation process should not be
limited to just minority owners and that a program needed to be
developed that would include all businesses. Mr. Riddle stated that
ways were needed to create a more favorable business atmosphere in
Rosemead and the Chamber was requesting input and assistance from the
Council. The Chamber wishes to initiate a joint effort made to
encourage Rosemead residents to shop in Rosemead.
Bonnie Culbertson, Executive Vice-President, Rosemead Chamber of
commerce, introduced the Board members who were present. Those in
attendance were: John Steelesmith, Southern California Edison; Larry
Kruse, Southern California Water Company; Betty Dondanville, Village
Tire Service and in-coming President for 1988; Rosemead"Chamber of
Commerce; Don Riddle, Howard's Rug Company; and Arnold Darrow,
Doughboy Surplus and current President.
Mr. Darrow stated that beautification was not the primary answer,
but a concentrated effort to retain Rosemead dollars in Rosemead.
Frank G. Tripepi, City Manager, asked what programs the Chamber
had developed to achieve this goal, that the City could assist in
implementing.
Mr. Darrow cited the mixture of retail business with light
industrial useage was detrimental to the shopping image in Rosemead.
Consumers are becoming used to the "mall" form of shopping, where
retail are isolated from other types of business.
Mr. Tripepi stated that the zoning was regulated by law, and that
if a retail business chose to open a store in the middle of a light
industrial area, there is nothing the City could do to prohibit that
type of use.
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Bonnie Culbertson stated that the Chamber needed to make the
Council aware of their plans to ensure that the Chamber does not
violate any City ordinances. Ms. Culbertson cited the issue of signs
on the freeway, and the fact that they are not allowed.
Councilman McDonald agreed that a harmonious relationship was
desirable, and anything that is done to improve the business sector
will help the community as a whole. Mr. McDonald stated that the
Chamber has access to numerous organizations who can provide
statistics on what kinds of actions have changed or improved the
business opportunities. The Chamber could then come to the Council
with specific requests backed up with exact figures. The Council
could then take action, as needed.
Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch directed attention to the Economic
Development section of the draft General Plan. That section provides
for goals and policies for the economic development of the City.'
Some of those goals are to encourgage upgrading of existing
commercial centers; direct more intensive commercial uses in those
areas of the City identified as commercial districts; and to
encourage certain types of uses within these districts which will
complement and contribute to the economic well-being of the
community. Those elements will become a part of the General Plan and
serve to direct the growth of the City. This incorporates many of
the ideas expressed by the Chamber. Mr. Bruesch stated that the
implementation of these goals would require working with the tools
that are available. Zoning would be one the subjects that will need
to be taken into consideration to provide consolidation of certain
types of businesses.
Ms. Culbertson agreed and expressed the necessity of starting
somewhere to achieve these goals.
Mr. Darrow suggested that zoning changes could be done by
attritition, as various properties are offered for sale, the new
owner could be made to operate under the new zoning restrictions.
Mr. Riddle expressed the desire of having a theme for Rosemead
for the upcoming year, such as "DISCOVER ROSEMEAD," using flags or
banners on the utility poles. Mr. Darrow also expressed the
possibility of using the Shopper'Shuttle buses to advertise this
theme with posters, such as "SHOP WITH PRIDE IN ROSEMEAD."
Councilman Taylor expressed the opinion that using the shuttle
buses as a form of generic advertising was an excellent idea. They
travel the entire City and this type of advertising would get plenty
of exposure.
Mr. Tripepi suggested that the business community might want to
coordinate shuttle usage to a promotional campaign.
Councilman Taylor stressed that any advertising on the buses must
be of a generic nature, with no specific business mentioned in any
way.
Ms. Culbertson stated that the point of the advertising would be
to promote business, in general, not specifically.
Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch stated that because of the way supermarkets
are attracted to different locations he did not feel that it would be
possible for Rosemead to gain such a market. Mr. Bruesch stated that
the City and the Chamber should work to utilize the areas and
resources that are already available. The development of businesses
along Garvey Avenue or Valley Boulevard present the added problem of
traffic logistics, especially during the rush hours.
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Councilman Taylor cited the supermarket survey that had been
discussed by the Council over the past months and that acquisition of
another supermarket had been fully investigated. Supermarkets
require so many concessions from the city before they will even
consider installing one. There is not enough vacant land in Rosemead
to support a supermarket with its satellites, and the City does not
care to consider condemnation in order to achieve this.
Councilman Imperial expressed the opinion that the Chamber,
rather than the Council, might have more influence with other
business owners with respect to the upgrading of their businesses.
Mr. Imperial also requested that the Chamber conduct a membership
drive to try and get more businesses to join and support the
Chamber. He stated the opinion that the Chamber needs to become more
involved, themselves. Mr. Imperial also suggested that the Chamber
consider the development of a logo that would be distinctive to the
Chamber.
Ms. Culbertson stated that only about one-third of businesses now
belong to the Chamber and agreed that a membership drive was needed.
Mr. Tripepi stated that a marketing program might be the answer
in order to sell Rosemead on Rosemead.
Ms. Culbertson mentioned again some nebulous suggestions and
questions regarding the Council's opinion on the use of the utility
poles, or additional signage in Rosemead.
Councilman McDonald stated that the Chamber should develop
specific requests and then bring them to the council for approval on
an individual basis. Mr. McDonald did not feel that the council
could just give blanket approval to nebulous plans. He did feel that
all efforts must be made by both groups to promote the City and
stated the willingness of the Council to meet the Chamber half way on
the development of ideas.
Ms. Dondanville extended an invitation to the council to attend
the Chamber Planning Conference scheduled for January, 1988, in
Escondido.
Mr. Tripepi stated that Councilmembers who are available, as well
as staff, will attend this conference as they have in the past.
Councilman Taylor expressed concerns that the type of stores that
are available in Rosemead are not publicized so that residents are
aware of their existence. He asked when a Rosemead directory would
be available.
Ms. Culbertson stated that the new directory would be available
in the near future.
The council was in agreement that the Shopper Shuttle buses could
be used for generic advertising to promote shopping in Rosemead and
city staff was directed to work with Chamber staff on the development
of this project. There was also agreement that the entrance signs to
the City could be upgraded or changed.' Councilman Imperial made the
suggestion that the schools could become involved by running a "sign"
contest. These ideas, once developed, would then be brought to the
Council for approval.
The Chamber expressed appreciation for the council's attention to
these matters and hoped for continued joint participation.
There being no further action to be taken at this time, the
meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. to the next Regular Meeting, set
for November 24, 1987, at 8:00 p.m.
APPROVED: Respectfully submitted:
- Wig
MAY R Ci y Clerk
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