CC - Approval of Munites 10-29-96 NOT OFFICIAL UNTI
ADOPTED BY THE
ROSEMEAD
MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING CITY COUNCIL
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 29, 1996
The adjourned meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Clark at 6:32
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 Mayor Pro Tern Imperial.
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:
Present: Councilmembers Bruesch, Taylor, Vasquez, Mayor Pro Tern Imperial, and Mayor
Clark
Absent: None
I. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF VALLEY BOULEVARD
II. VALLEY BOULEVARD STREET IMPROVEMENTS
The aforementioned items were discussed simultaneously.
Frank Tripepi, City Manager presented the staff report.
Peter Lyons, Planning Director, presented a slide show of other city's downtown areas and
of Rosemead along Valley Boulevard also.
Steve Copenhaver, GRC Consultants, explained that when there is a lack of public
investment in an area for public improvements, property owners are concerned about investing
and improving their own properties, such as along E. Valley Boulevard. Mr. Copenhaver stated
that if the municipality has the ability to improve the area, then confidence will be restored and
property values will increase and that valley Bouleva r hould be a strong economic area given
graphics of that street. Mr. Copenhaver outlined his approach in developing an
improvement strategy in downtown areas using four basic categories. The first category consists
of Economic and Physical Planning which will show potential new businesses a long range vision
for that area; secondly, the Business Improvement District Approach in which business owners
are contacted to see if there is any interest in upgrading the area and for their input in types of
improvements; the third approach is the Public Relations Approach whereby you are selling the
City's positive attitude towards business, i.e. brochures; and lastly, the fourth approach is the
Classic Approach of Economic Development where the City is the active participant in the real
estate process, considers forming redevelopment areas or using parking authorities and
assessment districts. Mr. Copenhaver continued that it is productive for a City to do economic
strategies and to develop a vision which provides direction and consistent thought.
Councilmember Taylor commented on the tax burden that the State imposes on businesses, and
while cities can provide some improvements, small businesses are overburdened by taxes,
insurances, liabilities, reporting requirements, and trying to meet EPA and water quality
standards. Mr. Taylor stated that that is a tremendous burden and does not see anyone addressing
those issues.
Mr. Copenhaver agreed and stated that between governmental regulations and the
recession, it has been very difficult on small businesses. He continued that there are several
consortiums in the Southern California area that are working with cities to try and increase
employment and to deal with regional and statewide issues.
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Councilmember Bruesch asked how absentee landlords factor into the recovery of a
business district.
Mr. Copenhaver responded that many absentee landlord properties are in trust and
difficult to deal with, in many instances the property owners cannot be reached.
Mayor Pro Tem Imperial stated that he requested this meeting because the City's business
district is deteriorating and needs help. Mr. Imperial continued that a plan needs to be
formulated, the streets need to be cleaned up and made attractive for people to come to, and
competitive businesses need to be attracted.
Councilmember Vasquez commented that he has walked Valley Boulevard the past two
weekends and the business owners have complained that the grass areas on the sidewalks are not
maintained. Mr. Vasquez stated that the public trash containers are in disrepair and that the
businesses need more parking area.
Councilmember Bruesch remarked that Valley Boulevard is part of the County's Traffic
Congestion Management Plan, whose plan to this date is still unknown, however, traffic on Valley
Boulevard is heavy and getting worse, especially during peak hours. He continued that future
plans need to include circulation of traffic also. Mr. Bruesch stated that parking has been a
problem for many years and gaining extra parking space is feasible through grading and removing
existing planters, but the impetus has to come from the business and property owners working
jointly.
Mayor Pro Tem Imperial stated that the problem of economic development needs to be
addressed foremost and that this should be a joint venture between the City and the businesses.
Mr. Imperial added that the many diverse cultures in this area need to become aware of these
problems.
Councilmember Taylor asked what type of program does the Chamber have in working
with the Asian community.
Richard Nichols, Executive Director of Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, responded that
they do not have a formal program; however, they contact new businesses and provide an
informational newsletter in various languages.
Mayor Clark stated that this is a study session and she is interested in what the audience
has to say. Ms. Clark agreed that economic development should come first.
Councilmember Taylor stated that many businesses, especially small businesses, suffer
hardships through taxes, regulations, leases, etc., and while these are not under the City's control,
asked how would improving the landscape or parking be beneficial if they continue to be
"chocked off' by State and Federal regulations.
Councilmember Bruesch stated that a clear vision, direction, insight, and ideas need to be
developed that the City needs the people's help to make the plan a reality.
Robert Angles, 9147 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, stated that he is not in favor of a
median on Valley Boulevard, the eucalyptus trees and bubbles curbs should be removed, move the
bus stop at Hart and Valley to free 5 or 6 more parking spaces, the entire section of Valley back
to Bentel needs to be developed, place more trash receptacles, and encourage businesses to paint
their establishments.
Mayor Clark commented that in the County's Congestion Management Plan, Valley
Boulevard may become a secondary thoroughfare to ease the freeway traffic, whereby a reverse
flow of traffic could occur during peak hours, thereby eliminating all parking spaces during that
time. Ms. Clark warned that the bubbles currently are a deterrent to that plan, however, if they
are removed, the County may possibly move forward with their plans.
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Councilmember Bruesch agreed with Mayor Clark and confirmed that the County
Engineers would like to see the bubbles removed to enable them to move forward their reverse
flow plans.
Councilmember Taylor stated that the County will have to pay to remove the bubbles and
and will have to provide the City with funds to buy properties to provide for off-site parking.
Mayor Clark stated that if a property owner does not want to sell, she would have a
problem with using eminent domain to take the property.
Mayor Pro Tem Imperial stated that if the bubbles are removed and if the other
suggestions are implemented, the problem still remains with deteriorating buildings that need to be
replaced and no provide off-street parking.
Ken Pike, 9142 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, stated that Rosemead has a reputation
for not being favorable to businesses. Mr. Pike continued that street sweeping parking
restrictions should be removed at the Valley and Hart Avenue business area as this penalizes
customers trying to conduct business there, and medians should not be installed as delivery trucks
have to park in the middle of the street for deliveries.
Mr.Nichols pointed out that the Council needs to develop tools, such as eminent domain
and establishing redevelopment areas, to make an economic development plan work for Valley
Boulevard.
Mayor Clark responded that she has problems with eminent domain in general, but is
especially against having the State or County telling us where to use eminent domain for parking,
such as could happen if they take parking on Valley Boulevard during peak hours.
Councilmember Taylor stated that redevelopment is not a cure-all, such as the southwest
corner of Garvey and San Gabriel, and areas of Alhambra which have blocks of three or four
vacant businesses on both sides of the street and many other similar areas in the San Gabriel
Valley.
Wilfried Gabriel, 5652 Marshall Drive, Huntington Drive, stated that he is one of the
"absentee" landlords on Valley Boulevard and he does not make any money on his rentals to
businesses and has difficulty attracting new tenants. Mr. Gabriel stated that a new businessman
does not get cooperation from the City's Building Inspectors and that the City should provide
more help, and that the paramount importance is filling the vacancies. He suggested that the
bubbles should be removed and provide diagonal parking instead with no medians. For the
record, Mr. Gabriel stated that his properties are at 9433-37-41 E. Valley Boulevard.
Frank Tripepi, City Manager, explained that the City is very much pro business and invited
anyone to look at surveys indicating that Rosemead has the lowest planning and building fees of
any City in the San Gabriel Valley and is probably the only City that does not have a business
license tax.
David Ruggles, 9632 Valley Boulevard, Paul's Steak House, stated that he is not in favor
of the medians as delivery trucks or customers will not be able to make a left turn into his
establishment.
Judith Seki, 8907 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, Sunny Seki Photography, commented that
many of the old signs are an eyesore and no longer related to the current business, and perhaps
the City can approach those businesses and inform them of the City's programs and what help is
available to them.
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Hari Alipuria, 8752 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, Chamali Restaurant and Golden West
Motel, suggested hiring a consultant to develop an economic program and that the medians are a
good idea and will prevent the street from becoming a thoroughfare. Mr. Alipuria stated that the
City was very helpful when he built his first 18 unit motel, but he encountered difficulties with the
Building Inspectors when building the second motel and the restaurant.
Joe Valeriano, 9126 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, Mapco, stated that he is in favor of
removing the bubbles to increase parking and that he has had to call the City to maintain the
landscaped sidewalks. Also, the tree in front of his establishment covers his sign, increased
lighting would be helpful also, and to improve the existing business signs to attract new
businesses.
Mayor Clark asked Mr. Valeriano if he is aware of the fact that should the bubbles be
removed and the City is forced to have No Parking during peak hours, that that would further
impact available parking for his customers.
George Shin, 8953 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, Liquor Store on Rosemead and
Valley, stated that with the closure and fencing of the Union Gas Station, they have limited
parking, and can only enter and egress on Valley Boulevard with poor visibility upon exiting.
Street parking is utilized by the furniture store next door. Mr. Shin continued that the Building
Inspectors had them remove a large sign on top of the building due to earthquake danger,
therefore, no one can see their business and they cannot attract customers.
Mayor Clark commented that the Union Station property may have Federal mandates on it
to clean up the soil.
Dave Stevenson, 890 lthrough 8913 Valley Boulevard, landlord/owner, stated that his
family takes pride in maintaining their buildings as do their tenants and that he agrees with Mayor
Pro Tem Imperial that the building appearances need to be improved to attract new businesses.
Mr. Stevenson stated that he is not in favor of the medians. He asked what leverage does the City
have on absentee landlords as there are many vacancies and buildings that are not maintained.
Salvas Barajas, 9107 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, stated that his wife owns a beauty
shop at that location and that the bubbles interfere with customer parking and favors having them
removed.
Mayor Clark asked how the "No Parking" during peak hours would affect their business.
Mr. Barajas responded that that ban would have some effect; however, many of their
customers are dropped off and others could probably work around those hours.
Jackie Ruggles, 9632 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, Paul's Steak House, asked
Councilmember Vasquez what he observed with the planter areas during his walks on Valley
Boulevard. Councilmember Vasquez replied that he did not like what he saw, the grass was
dried, nothing esthetic. Ms. Ruggles stated that they, along with other property owners, spent a
lot of their own money fixing up the front and inside of their businesses without any help from the
City.
Councilmember Taylor asked Ms. Ruggles if they were aware of the City's grant programs
and assistance in improving their facades.
Ms. Ruggles replied that they were aware of the programs; however, they did not apply.
Ms. Ruggles complained of "closed doors" and uncooperative staff at City Hall.
Mr. Tripepi requested a meeting with them to further discuss this problem.
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Another concern of Ms. Ruggles was how the City will deal with absentee landlords and
property owners should they refuse to fix up their deteriorated businesses or apartments once the
street is improved; how long will this project take and effect on the businesses; and will added
taxes be imposed upon them.
Mr. Tripepi responded that the Council has not made a decision yet as to what
improvements need to be done and none of the suggestions made require a benefit assessment tax.
Councilmember Taylor stated that the consensus seems to be to not put in the center
medians; however, should that occur,just the center street section will be torn down, and should
not impact the businesses as badly as having the whole street down.
Mayor Clark clarified that the maps are conceptual only, no cuts have been made and are
solely for the purpose of this study session. Ms. Clark stated that there are many County, State
and Federal issues and regulations that the City and Council fight against on behalf of the business
owners that they are not aware of, such as the recent storm water permit issue whereby
regulations imposed upon businesses would be horrendous.
Joseph Giammanco, 8908 Nevada Street, Rosemead, stated that he walks every day on
Valley Boulevard going west as he feels safer in that area. Mr. Giammanco suggested that the
businesses be contacted regarding the City's canopy program and other ways that the City can
lend their assistance, and in order to attract new businesses the fronts of the buildings have to be
attractive and sidewalks clean.
Frank Quintanilla, 9228 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, Golden Rose Florist, stated that the
Council, and most departments at City Hall are business friendly; however, he has encountered
numerous difficulties with the Building Inspectors. The Inspectors were rude to his mother and to
him while pulling permits; that he is hesitant to use the CDBG program again since this is a
Federally funded program and has so many restrictions, the Inspectors will be even more tough
and rude. Mr. Quintanilla suggested that the City should offer a City funded assistance program
on maintaining and beautifying property instead of going through the CDBG program and perhaps
have an office at City Hall assigned to help businesses develop and prosper. Mr. Quintanilla
continued that the sidewalk planter areas are well maintained, but shrubs and trees are so large
that when trimmed, they look unsightly, and all of Valley Boulevard would be attractive if the
sidewalks were paved as they are at the new Mobile Station.
Juan Nunez, 2702 Del Mar, Rosemead, stated that he does not favor the medians either
and continued that he does not agree with public funds going to improve private property as in the
CDBG Program.
Councilmember Taylor explained that this is Federally funded grant money gathered
through various taxes which is then allocated to every City, and if the City does not take that
money, that money will be distributed to other cities for their use.
Mr. Nunez stated that he does not see the purpose in renovating older buildings when
there exists so many vacancies.
Councilmember Bruesch reiterated that the main points discussed was a need to increase
parking, no medians, a need to clean-up planter areas and provide more trash receptacles, improve
signage, improve facades without creating more inspections and creating a City-run program to
help businesses, City-business partnerships, improve the demeanor of the Building Inspectors, and
finally, no consensus on the bubbles as some were for and some against them.
Councilmember Taylor added that the street lighting needs to be improved also.
Councilmember Vasquez thanked everyone in the audience for their interest and for
coming to the meeting.
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Mr. Quintanilla suggested that the City, Chamber and local business owners meet to
discuss a strategic plan for economic development of Valley Boulevard.
M. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS -None
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE -NONE
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action to be taken at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10
p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 1996, at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: APPROVED:
City Clerk MAYOR
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