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CC - Approval of Minutes - 07-13-99 NOT OFF/C/AL UNT/a. ADOPTED BY THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ROSEMEAD ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL JULY 13, 1999 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Vasquez 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 The Invocation was delivered by ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Present: Councilmembers Bruesch, Imperial, Taylor, Mayor Pro Tern Dark, and Mayor Vasquez Absent: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JUNE 8, 1999 -REGULAR MEETING MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 8, 1999, be approved as corrected. Vote resulted: Yes: Bruesch, Taylor, Vasquez, Clark, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. PRESENTATIONS: None 1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE -None H. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None IH. LEGISLATIVE A. RESOLUTION NO. 99-30 - CLAIMS AND DEMANDS The following Resolution was presented to the Council for adoption. RESOLUTION NO. 99-30 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,283,607.12 NUMBERED 27448 THROUGH 27639 MOTION BY COUNCILMAN IMPERIAL, SECOND BY COUNCILMAN BRUESCH that the Council adopt Resolution No. 99-30. Vote resulted: Yes: Vasquez, Taylor, Bruesch, Clark, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. CC:7-13-99 Page 41 B. ORDINANCE NO. 795 The following Ordinance was presented to the Council for adoption: ORDNANCE NO. 795 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND DISCHARGE OF SAFE AND SANE FIREWORKS BETWEEN DECEMBER 27, 1999 AND JANUARY 1, 2000 - ADOPT MOTION BY COUNCILMAN BRUESCH, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM CLARK that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 795. Vote resulted: Yes: Bruesch, Taylor, Vasquez, Clark, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered Councilman Imperial stated for the record that this Ordinance was adopted for this one event only. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR (CC-B was removed for discussion purposes) • CC-A AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES SEVENTH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT OF LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS - AUGUST 15-17, 1999, WELCHES, OREGON CC-C AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL CITY MANAGERS ASSOCIATION'S 85TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE - SEPTEMBER 26-29, 1999, PORTLAND, OREGON CC-D GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT- L.A. COUNTY LIBRARY CC-E EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH WILLDAN ASSOCIATED FOR CDBG PROGRAM SERVICES CC-F REQUEST FROM LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE FOR FEE INCREASE CC-G REAUTHORIZATION OF AGREEMENT WIT COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR GANG ALTERNATIVE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM (GAPP) CC-II RENEWAL OF LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY - ZAPOPAN PARK MOTION BY COUNCILMAN TAYLOR, SECOND BY COUNCILMAN BRUESCH that the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved. Vote resulted: Yes: Bruesch, Taylor, Vasquez, Clark, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. CC:7-13-99 Page 42 • CC-B PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON GARVEY AVENUE BETWEEN SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD AND DEL MAR AVENUE Councilman Taylor requested clarification on the 20-minute parking zone coverage area. Joanne Itagaki, Traffic Engineer, responded that the green curb will be in front of the three businesses that are surrounded by the L.A. Auto Auction. Councilman Bruesch stated that according to the survey, many of the businesses did not chose Fridays as a restricted parking day. Ms. Itagaki responded that at the Traffic Commission Meeting, two of the owners stated that Tuesdays and Fridays were the best days, and the Parking Control Officers confirmed that those two days were the heaviest parking days. Ms. Itagaki brought sample signs to show the Council. Councilman Bruesch and Taylor agreed that the lettering on the new signs should be the same size as the upper and lower signs. MOTION BY COUNCILMAN TAYLOR, SECOND BY COUNCILMAN BRUESCH that the Council approve installation of a 20-minute parking zone on Tuesday and Fridays, when parking is at its peak with the retention of the 2-hour parking restriction on all other days. Vote resulted: Yes: Bruesch, Taylor, Bruesch, Clark, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered_ V. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION A. REQUEST FROM SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR 1999-2000 MEMBERSHIP DUES Councilman Taylor stated that the current year's budget is not included. Councilman Bruesch explained that the budget for COG had just been signed in June and may not be available yet. MOTION BY COUNCILMAN BRUESCH, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM CLARK that the Council approve the request. Vote resulted: Yes: Bruesch, Taylor, Vasquez, Clark, Imperial No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. Councilman Bruesch presented an update of the five activities that SGVCOG is involved with: The Alameda Corridor project which will alleviate congestion; expansion of the Foothill Transit to lower the cost of bus transportation by 15% to 20% for our constituents; study of truck routes, traffic and volume, which involves Valley and Rosemead Boulevards; investigation of a subregional housing program; and dealing with ABA 939, reauthorization of the recycling bill. cc 7-13-99 Page g3 Mayor Pro Tern Clark agreed there are many issues. Ms. Clark stated that she serves on the Solid Waste Task Force which deals with recycling and that by the year 2000, 50% of our trash has to be diverted, which may be difficult for some cities to meet. Councilman Taylor requested clarification of the Alameda Corridor East Joint Powers Authority, as to what is the affiliation with the east area. Councilman Bruesch responded that COG is the designated planning body for this area. Several years ago Congress determined that some associations, such as SCAG, are becoming too large and controlling and wanted that authority to be spread out into subregions. Mr. Bruesch continued that in Los Angeles County, there are approximately 13 COG's, which represent various areas, one of which is the San Gabriel Valley. The various COG's set up mechanisms where money can be expended without having to report to the Board at every meeting - it is an authority that is allowed to establish policy and pay bills. Councilman Taylor asked what control the SGVCOG has over the entire Alameda Corridor? Councilman Bruesch responded that they don't, they only have control over the Alameda Corridor east. Mr. Bruesch stated that when the corridor is finished, there will be an increase in freight traffic from the harbor to downtown L.A., and from there points east. The San Gabriel Valley is east of Los Angeles and will be a major conduit of that freight. Mr. Bruesch stated that there is a need right now to establish policy before that project is completed. Peter Lyons, Planning Director, added that the major cause of concern is the grade- crossing congestion due to the additional train traffic. Councilman Taylor requested a copy of their current budget. VI. STATUS REPORTS - None VII. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS A. FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATION COST INCREASE FOR CANDIDATE'S STATEMENT- MARCH 2, 1999 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION VERBATIM DIALOG BEGINS: COUNCILMAN TAYLOR: Mr. Mayor. This particular item, I'm really discouraged in what I'm seeing here on the... COUNCILMAN IMPERIAL: Is that the one on the translations into Vietnamese and what have you. TAYLOR: It's the translations. IMPERIAL: We'll have somebody here at the next meeting. MAYOR VASQUEZ: July 27th. TAYLOR: Along with that...Nancy, you can correct me if I'm wrong. But, when we paid our fees we went over what the cost would be and I read the charges and, I believe S680 for the English, Spanish translation. NANCY VALDERRAMA, CITY CLERK: As I explained to you, it was my error and that it was $900 that was required from everybody. CC3-13-99 Page P4 TAYLOR: That's what the summary was. But, when we were discussing, I asked you...how many people call in to get the Vietnamese or the Chinese translation. At that time you told me it was 25 to 30 people. That's what shocked me. I thought just from the cost involvement of it, you get the Spanish and the English translated and in the ballot, in the pamphlet itself. So, that's why at the time I said that's a poor way to spend money, in my opinion. COUNCILMAN IMPERIAL: Mr. Mayor. Isn't that required? TAYLOR: That's what were going to find out. IMPERIAL: That's required by the Registrar of Voters as far as I know. ROBERT KRESS, CITY ATTORNEY: Federal Voting Rights Act. BRUESCH: It is required. IMPERIAL: I think that we've got a problem with that. Has everybody paid that fee? TAYLOR: Everybody but myself because I didn't sign up for it. BRUESCH: It's optional. You do not... IMPERIAL: It's not optional. If it costs the City money, it's not optional. TAYLOR: But, Pd like, when they come back, on this back page it lists the cities that Martin & Chapman have. It's gone from bad to worse, in my opinion, because there are other Councilmen and Councilwomen and Council candidates that were in other elections that were able to just have the English and the Spanish translations and they did not have to have the Vietnamese and the Chinese. I would like, at our next meeting, a copy of the cities that Martin & Chapman did back there, with the translations that were done for each of those cities for the candidates. I know they have the information,just print it out. But, that's why it's gone from bad to worse. I know other cities did not have to do it. That's what I want to find out why I didn't have the option to choose what I was going to spend on the campaign. BRUESCH: Point of information. Nancy, has the law changed because I remember the last time we had the option.... TAYLOR: This was the last election in March in and April that this went on. BRUESCH: When was that change made? I've always chosen to do that. VALDERRAMA: I don't know when. But with the Federal Voters Rights Act, translations are according to the population of your City.. KRESS: Right. And that's why there may be other results in other cities because the population... TAYLOR: That's the next thing that I have to do after this is find out why these other city Councilmembers were exempt from doing this. But, I need the list from Martin & Chapman. I have no problems paying the balance for the Spanish, but, there is something going on that I don't think is right when other cities do not have to pay it. When we get it, then we'll find out what the populations are. If they want to do it ahead of time, it'll save another problem. Another question is what do I have to do to extend the closing date for my Campaign Statement. VALDERRAMA: I don't think there is anything in the regulations that require you to have to... TAYLOR: OK. But, the closing statement is due July 31st and I'd like to get this cleared up to pay it or...I want to find out why Martin & Chapman changed it and said that I could not. CC]-13-99 Page e5 VASQUEZ: By July 27th, you should have all those answers. Staff is so directed. TAYLOR: Also, but keep in...this is the third time that they've rescheduled, isn't it Nancy? So if I have to extend it or file what I have at the time, that's what I'll do. IMPERIAL: I just want to say one thing. I took...I have an adverse opinion of this when I...when this first came out about having the different languages. I felt like that if you're an American, you get a citizenship, you're able to vote, and you ought to be able to understand the English language. Now, my mother-in-law just became a citizen. My wife became a citizen on July 2nd. My wife is a very intelligent lady, but I'm sure that she doesn't understand everything in English. As long as our government is allowing this to take place, they don't have to be perfect in English, then I think we owe it to these people to let them know exactly what we're talking about. There's many, many times you'll go out with people from foreign countries and they'll say, "Excuse me, can we talk in our language because we can express ourselves better". So, what I'm saying in reality, whether we like it or not, it's a fact. It's here. And some of these people are damn good citizens and I hate to deprive them of the idea of what they are voting for and why. TAYLOR: Mr. Mayor. I have absolutely no problem with anybody choosing any language. We did not have Filipino, or Tagalog in the ballot. We did not have any other languages. Only those four we are talking about. My point is that for only 25 to 30 people, isn't that what we talked about, Nancy, that is a very poor expenditure for money, and I made the choice that I didn't think that was right- And, that's all I'm basing it on is there is something wrong. Anybody wants to vote, I have no problem with any language. BRUESCH: But, the problem, Gary, is that the law is based not on numbers of votes from that language.... TAYLOR: That's what made it even more discouraging when I found out other cities aren't doing this. BRUESCH: It's based on registered voters... IMPERIAL: What I'm saying in reality is if you set one at the table and have her type something up and it doesn't matter if it's for 5,000 people or 5, it's still going to cost the same amount of money to get it done. BRUESCH: That's my whole point. TAYLOR: No it's not. We'll get to the others. Another thing I need, Nancy, if you will, is the Resolutions that were passed for the previous two elections. You gave us the billing and it was $110 for the Spanish translation, and it was $110 for the Vietnamese and Chinese. This year though it went to $292 for the translation from $110. There is something wrong. That's why I need the previous two elections - how something could jump so much and the Spanish translation hardly jumped at all. So there's a disparity there. VALDERRAMA: As I explained, they had problems with their Asian translators, especially with Vietnamese and mid-way through the election, they were having such problem, they found a firm that they were satisfied with and they charged accordingly. TAYLOR: But, we didn't have it at the last election. It wasn't a problem. VALDERRAMA: They said they were having a problem... TAYLOR: They said they were. We didn't have a problem in our election. IMPERIAL: Mr. Mayor. I would like to remind Gary that when he first ran, and when I ran, it cost about $225 to run the election. CC:9-13-99 Page#6 TAYLOR: I'm not speaking about the cost at all. IMPERIAL: What I'm saying in reality is, Nancy, I know you do the very best you can. I would like to volunteer my services in the next municipal election that we have to go out and get translations for you at a more reasonable price. TAYLOR: Mr. Mayor. This has nothing to do with Nancy's work. IMPERIAL: Well, it does in reality, because she's doing her job at the best possible place she can do it, and that's costing money. TAYLOR: No. She's doing her job from what the voting and election consultant is telling her. BRUESCH: And what the law tells her. IMPERIAL: If I can get translations with my connections...if I can get a translation at a lot less money, then they have a hard time refusing.. TAYLOR: No. I'n' not even questioning, I'm pointing out the fact that it costs, but that's not the issue here. The issue is that I did not pay or request that service at the time and then Martin & Chapman stepped in and told Nancy a couple of days later and they said that I couldn't do that. But, other cities have done it and that's why I want to find out. IMPERIAL: That's why Pm offering my precious time, Gary. TAYLOR: OK. Well, that was the issue that I ...- VASQUEZ: OK. That question will come up. TAYLOR: That's fine. Thank you. VERBATIM DIALOGUE ENDS. VII. 1. VERBATIM DIALOGUE BEGINS: COUNCILMAN TAYLOR: One other thing under Matters from Officials. Did the rest of you on the Council receive a letter from a...l don't even remember the name, but it was a bulk trash pick up and the person sent a photograph that they were charged for four tires that were picked up that were not on their property. COUNCILMAN BRUESCH: I can...I followed up on that right away with Milan, the person in charge. Basically, what that letter was that they had a kind of an argument with the neighbor on where the trash was, and Milan suggested that they send a photo to City Hall just so they can establish where it was and then they could take care of it. What they did instead ofjust sending it to Milan, was send it to everybody. It was already taken care of Apparently the resident is happy. It's been taken care of on the staff level_ TAYLOR: Who paid? BRUESCH: I really don't know... DONALD WAGNER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER: Nobody paid. Consolidated picked it up without charging anybody. We have this occur maybe, since January, maybe three times. We want people to...people say that No, I did not put out that bulky item, somebody dropped it off in front of my house. We're asking them to write us a letter and tell us in writing. CC]-13-99 Page a] TAYLOR: I never got a response back. WAGNER: I'm sorry. I thought I did a memo on that. TAYLOR: It's just a letter and a picture and I said let's find out what the result was. WAGNER: Gary, I thought we did a memo on it, but I91 get one out on it. BRUESCH: The day after that Milan came back in the office and told me it had been taken care of TAYLOR: I'd like a memo on it,just staple it with that picture and the resident's letter. BRUESCH: That reminds me. I really appreciate staff giving us that list of bulky items being picked up because what is happening is it is establishing certain areas where that is a real problem, where things are just going to be put out in front of the house at any time, and they sit there for two or three days. One of the things that I've done is a lot of complaining about this, because it does make the neighborhood look trashy. I've seen a marked increase in response time now. It's becoming less and less a problem. So, I appreciate staff working on it. VERBATIM ENDS. B. CITY TREASURER POSITION Councilman Taylor requested that this item be deferred until the City Manager returns from vacation. Mr. Taylor requested a list from the League of California Cities and the California Contract Cities Association of non-staff Treasurers. Mayor Pro Tern Clark stated their packet included a list of 32 cities; that in five cities, the Manager is also the Treasurer; in 21 cities, the Treasurer and Finance Director are combined; in 2 cities the City Manager is the Finance Director, and in I City, the Assistant City Manager is the Treasurer and Finance Director. Ms. Clark pointed out that of those 32 cities, only 2 cities have a Treasurer that is independent of any other office. Ms. Clark stated that she did not see a reason to defer this item as the City Manager is doing a fine job. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM CLARK, SECOND BY COUNCILMAN IMPERIAL that the City Manager remain as City Treasurer Before vote could result, more conversation ensued. Councilman Imperial agreed with Ms. Clark and stated that he did not have a problem with the City Manager also being the City Treasurer nor a problem with the Finance Director. Mr. Imperial continued that he trusts the City Manager and that's why he seconded the motion. Councilman Bruesch added that the City's Finance Committee meets regularly and the Council receives the Minutes. Vote resulted: Yes: Bruesch, Vasquez, Clark, Imperial No: Taylor Absent: None Abstain: None The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. CC9-13-99 Page#8 Councilman Taylor stated that he voted No as he believes it is good policy to have an outside "pair of eyes" to monitor the City's investments. Mr. Taylor stated that this is no reflection on the City Manager or Finance Director, they both do a fine job, but the City Treasurer should be an outside person. Councilman Imperial stated that the City Manager is doing a good job and to give him that vote of confidence. Councilman Taylor asked why does the City have the discrepancy with the auditors to change the books. Councilman Bruesch stated that he sits on many Boards and has never had any Agency have an absolutely clean, perfect record on their audit as the Finance Department. Mr. Bruesch stated that that Department continually receives awards from the State for their record keeping efforts and standards, and the auditors are doing their job in finding minor irregularities. Councilman Taylor asked that the Assistant City Manager and Finance Director compile a report on the auditor's corrections for the past three years. Mr. Taylor stated that overall the Finance Department has been doing a reasonably good job with minor corrections, but this time a couple of hundred thousand dollars needed to be shifted into other accounts. Mr. Wagner asked Councilman Taylor if he was referring to the Council meeting where the Council took action to approve the end of the year adjustments from unappropriated reserves being transferred to other accounts. Mr. Wagner explained that the auditor's are now requiring that this end of the year transfer be approved by the Council, whereas previously, it was done as a bookkeeping measure. Mr. Wagner clarified that prior to having Council approval, this transfer was always included in the financial report. VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE -None IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further action to be taken at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 1999, at 8:00 p.m_ Respectfully submitted: APPROVED: City Clerk MAYOR CC:]-13-99 Page#9