HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_2004-09-21_Regular 20041
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CITY COUNCIL
TEMPLE CITY, CALIFORNIA
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21, 2004
INITIATION
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Zovak called the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers located at 5938 Kauffman Avenue, Temple City.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmember- Capra, Vizcarra, Wong, Arrighi, Zovak
Councilmember -None
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Cole, City Attorney Martin, Assistant City
Manager /Parks and Recreation Director Burroughs, Community
Development Director Dawson, City Clerk Flandrick, Senior
Management Assistant Flod, Public Safety Manager Guerrero,
Assistant Planner Liu, Public Services Director Stroud
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Vizcarra led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS — None
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Vernon Nelson, 9843 Olive Street, referred to Council granting him an extension of time to
remove his illegal sidewalk, and stated he had two major deaths in his family which would
necessitate him being out of state for an extended period of time. He requested an additional
extension of time in which to have the sidewalk removed.
Mayor Zovak reminded Mr. Nelson that Council had approved for the City Manager to grant
an additional extension if needed, and suggested Mr. Nelson meet with the City Manager to
agree to a timeline.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi removed Item A from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi moved to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, seconded
by Councilmember Capra and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember- Capra, Vizcarra, Wong, Arrighi, Zovak
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
B. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS — MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2004
Received and filed the Planning Commission actions of their meeting of September
14, 2004.
C. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ACTIONS — MEETING OF
SEPTEMBER 15, 2004
Received and filed the Parks and Recreation Commission actions of their meeting of
September 15, 2004.
City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 2
D. RECEIVE AND FILE ANNUAL SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE
FUND (SLESF) CONSOLIDATED REPORT AND CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 -2004
Received and filed the annual SLESF Consolidated Report and related certification
statement.
E. ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL FOR ELECTION SERVICES FOR THE GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON MARCH 8, 2005
Accepted the proposal from Martin & Chapman Company for election services for the
upcoming General Municipal Election to be held on March 8, 2005.
F. APPROVAL OF PERMIT FOR USE OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY LIBRARY
PARKING LOT FOR THE 2004 FESTIVAL AND CRAFT FAIRE
Approved the permit for use of the Los Angeles County Library parking lot for the
annual Festival and Craft Faire on October 2, 2004 and authorized the City Manager
to sign.
G. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 04 -4293 AUTHORIZING CITY
EMPLOYED CITY MANAGER, PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR, PUBLIC SAFETY
MANAGER, PUBLIC SAFETY SECRETARY, AND CODE ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER POSITIONS TO PERFORM IN A LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATED
FUNCTION, WHICH NECESSITATES ACCESS TO DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
(DOJ) CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
(CLETS) PROVIDED INFORMATION
Adopted Resolution No. 04 -4293, a RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TEMPLE CITY AUTHORIZING CITY EMPLOYED CITY MANAGER,
PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR, PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGER, PUBLIC SAFETY
SECRETARY, AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITIONS TO PERFORM
IN A LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATED FUNCTION, WHICH NECESSITATES
ACCESS TO DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) CALIFORNIA LAW
ENFORCEMENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS (CLETS) PROVIDED
INFORMATION.
H. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 04 -4294 APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR
GRANT FUNDS FOR THE ROBERTI - Z'BERG- HARRIS BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2002
Adopted Resolution No. 04 -4294, a RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPROVING THE APPLICANT TO APPLY FOR GRANT
FUNDS FOR THE ROBERTI - Z'BERG- HARRIS BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM UNDER
THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS,
AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2002.
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR PLACEMENT AND REMOVAL OF A
BANNER FOR THE TEMPLE CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVERTISING
THE TEMPLE CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT'S 50 YEAR CELEBRATION
Approved the request from the Chamber of Commerce of Temple City for use of City
staff to place and remove the Chamber's banner advertising the Temple City Unified
School District's 50 year celebration to be held October 15 -17, 2004, and waived the
insurance requirement.
J. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 04 -4291 — APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF BILLS
Adopted Resolution No. 04 -4291, a RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ALLOWING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF
$239,973.51 DEMAND NOS. 13809 THROUGH 14375.
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City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 3
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The City Council was requested to review and approve the Minutes of the Regular
Meeting of September 7, 2004.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi corrected the Minutes to reflect the name of the Mayor of
South El Monte, instead of the Mayor of El Monte, under Item 16D.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
September 7, 2004, as amended, seconded by Councilmember Wong and
unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember- Capra, Vizcarra, Wong, Arrighi, Zovak
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. PUBLIC HEARING: ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 04 -4292 — APPEAL OF
ZONE VARIANCE 04 -1581 AT 5001 -5009 WILLMONTE AVENUE
(ROMANI /BRIGGS)
City Manager Cole presented an appeal of a Planning Commission decision denying
a zone variance to allow the complete refurbishment of four existing single story
dwellings on an R -1 zoned parcel. The proposed building rehabilitation will include
new windows, drywall, new kitchens, bathrooms, etc. At their public hearing, the
Planning Commission considered testimony from the applicant and other members of
the public, and on a 3 -2 vote denied the zone variance. The owner exercised his
right to appeal to the City Council. All information presented to the Planning
Commission, including minutes of that meeting and information submitted by the
owner was received by the City Council.
At the request of City Manager Cole, Community Development Director Dawson, with
the aid of a powerpoint presentation, reviewed his staff report, identifying the subject
site on a 19,972 square foot R -1 zoned parcel. The lot is 100 foot wide with small
houses. The zoning has been R -1 since 1964 and is R -1 now. Over 50% of the total
lot area is landscaped. Although the four dwellings are small in size, the overall
density is double the maximum of the surrounding neighborhood, consisting primarily
of 50 -foot wide lots with one dwelling per lot. Also, the two front houses are too
close to the street to meet today's standards as are the side yard setbacks and
elevation.
The property has been the subject of code enforcement problems, mostly policing
activity, and the units are currently vacant. Director Dawson showed exterior and
interior pictures of the units and responded to Council questions. Pictures taken
earlier today show the units stripped down to studs.
Neighboring support was voiced at the Planning Commission meeting in favor of
refurbishing the units. The Zoning Code would allow the owner to split the parcel
with one unit on each 50 foot lot, so the owner does have an alternative to make this
property conforming to the Zoning Code and General Plan and the surrounding
neighborhood. With that option available, it is difficult to make the findings for a
variance and the Planning Commission agreed with staff to deny the variance and
uphold the code.
City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 4
City Manager Cole stated Council heard an item about six weeks ago regarding a
legal non - conforming issue. At that meeting, Council directed that they would
determine these issues on a case -by -case basis. The Zoning Code specifies that
legal non - conforming structures may be maintained, but may not be substantially
improved or upgraded. In this instance a "stop work notice" was issued and the
property owner then applied for this variance.
Mayor Zovak opened the public hearing.
Tami Romani, applicant, read her letter dated September 15, 2004, previously
submitted to Council, and made a part of the record. Mrs. Romani stated that the
request for variance is within the City's required conditions for reasons including: the
property is not out of character for the community; previous permits reflected a
designation of zone A -1 and the footprint of the structures has not changed. The four
houses in question, like most in the neighborhood have been there for 50 years and
have not outlived their usefulness. At issue is how much refurbishing is one allowed
to do. Pending legislation, Assembly Bill 2702 would theoretically allow two houses
to be built on a lot split, and another two "granny flat" houses on each lot, creating
units much larger than exist now. The proposed use will not have an adverse effect
upon adjacent properties, in fact many surrounding neighbors are in favor of the
refurbishment. Mrs. Romani also cited appellate court cases which she felt
supported the application.
Graham Briggs said he prepared the plans for the refurbishment and was present to
answer any technical questions and to address the core issue: how much is too
much. The applicants had no idea of the condition of the property when they bought
it, and it was not until 2 tenants were evicted that they discovered there was no way
to repair the structures. They had to be gutted and to replace what was there. Their
intent was to make it better than it was by adding amenities and to bring it up to the
standard of the neighborhood.
Mr. Briggs responded to questions from Council, stating he was the designer retained
by the applicant when the property was red - tagged. There are no photos to show
what the units looked like after the tenants were out. No permits were pulled prior to
the property being red - tagged. All that had been done prior to that was clean up. He
stated he did not come to City Hall to discuss the property prior to it being red -
tagged. He was not aware of the setback requirements.
Jim Romani, applicant, said he went in to clean up the property and told his guy to
take out anything that was damaged, and the next thing he knew it all was totally
taken apart. He stated he should have gone to the City to find out what was
required, but it was not a structure change and he has done similar work in other
cities before.
In response to Council, Mr. Romani stated he did pull permits in those other cities,
but in some cities he was not required to go to this extent. He stated his family has
been in the construction business for 50 years. His realtor did not disclose the
property was legal non - conforming when he bought it. He only had a day to decide
to buy the property and was only able to see one back unit which was one of the
best. He spent close to $10,000 to evict a front tenant and had no opportunity to
even look at the other units until after the eviction. He only found out the property
was legal non - conforming when it was red - tagged. The clean up crew worked for
him. He would have to build monster two -story homes to get his money out of it. He
wanted to do this refurbishment for his kids. The structures are in great condition and
he just wanted to put new insides back in the units to match the houses on the street.
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City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 5
He said he understood part of his problem was not coming in to City Hall to inquire
about the property.
Janice MacKay, 4935 and 4937 Baldwin Avenue, said she lived in the larger home
since 1974 and is now living in a small cottage and was very familiar with the
neighborhood. Now that the children are growing up they need nice quality rental
houses in the neighborhood. The four houses in question have always been there,
and until the last 10 -15 years were important parts of the neighborhood. The
applicants are doing what responsible property owners do, they are not upgrading or
building any fancier quality only repairing and maintaining. She didn't see why a
variance is needed as they are only trying to make repairs.
Cecelia Rudar, 9716 Olive Street, stated there were several good and bad issues on
this project. She has been a realtor since 1967 and was all for affordable housing.
The first thing a realtor does is check with the City for the zoning. She could not
understand why the zoning was not disclosed by the listing agent who should also
advise the buyer to check with the City. She also could not believe the contractor did
not know to go to the City and request information. The San Gabriel Association of
Realtors has long addressed the Council to get the City to change the regulations for
nonconforming properties. If granted for this property, she would like all non-
conforming units be allowed to be brought up to code. But here is someone who
goes in, does not check with the City, rips everything out and then says he didn't
know he should not do that. Our responsibility to buyers and sellers is to let them
know what they can and cannot do and to go to the City prior to making an offer. At
the Planning Commission meeting, the applicant said he did go to the City. She felt
Mr. Romani knew what the rules and regulations were and took advantage of the
system and did things deliberately and thought he would not be found out. She
supported the Planning Commission's denial of this variance.
Michael Moppet, 5033 Willmonte Avenue, said there were 49 homes on Willmonte
with only 2 -3 two -story homes which were added on to the back of the house so you
don't see the second story from the street. He was concerned about 2 sizeable
houses on that property. It was alleged at the Planning Commission meeting that 50-
plus year old homes are ready to be torn down, which he found peculiar when
buildings across the state 100 -plus years old are deemed to be historic. He felt the
applicants were being taken advantage of. Many neighbors signed the petitions Mrs.
Romani circulated which were all turned in at the Planning Commission meeting and
the Commissioners never even bothered to look at them nor recessed the meeting to
examine them. He felt there may be a way to allow this variance — by looking back at
city or state codes that allow for a grandfather clause. He also felt the valley needs
affordable housing and the Council could do an immense favor to this community and
the residents to make this happen. It would be an asset to the community and would
enhance property values.
Donald Dalton, 4927 Willmonte Avenue, said he has lived here for 37 years and is
very familiar with the rental property and can vouch for the damage that was done.
He supported the refurbishment of the property and said there was concern of 2 -story
homes being built that would devalue the properties around there. He asked Council
to consider the neighbors.
Mary Kokayko, 6149 N. Camellia, said it was upsetting to her that everyone wants to
take the law into their own hands. She said she has property on Longden that was
thought to be a flag lot and years later found out that it was one lot. She cannot
come to the City and say she didn't know. If she as an individual knew what she
should do, than a contractor should know. That is the law. There are no guarantees
that he will fix up the property or that he will sell.
City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 6
James SaraIle, 4938 Willmonte Avenue, said he owned property 4 houses down
across the street and supported the decision to refurbish the homes which are rather
small. Single story is important as it is reasonable to expect that most new houses
are two -story. What is there has been there for over 40 years and has been
acceptable. Recently the tenant was not acceptable, but there is no control over that.
He suggested Council look at what is there now, not just on that lot, but in the
community.
Jim Romani, applicant, said he was not looking for sympathy — he just wants to have
4 little houses as rentals and rent to nice people. He doesn't want to have problems.
He is a man of his word and has been in business a long time and does not plan on
selling the property. He wants to leave this property for his kids. He has the
opportunity to build 2 big houses but he does not want to do that. If he cleans up
these houses, it will be nice for the neighborhood and most neighbors want this.
In response to Mayor Zovak, Mrs. Romani stated the 3 pages of 16 signatures that
Council received in their packet of information are the total signature petitions she
submitted.
In response to Mayor Zovak, Mr. Romani stated the mention of affordable housing
was used only in the sense that he just wanted to make enough money to break
even. Mr. Romani stated the title report does not state anything about R -1 zoning. It
says multi - family property.
Mayor Zovak stated the title report would not show zoning information.
Hearing no further requests to speak, either for or against this item, the public
hearing was closed.
At the request of City Manager Cole, Public Safety Manager Guerrero responded to a
question from Councilmember Capra, stating, Code Enforcement action came as the
result of a complaint. When Code Enforcement officers responded to the site, they
came across 3 semi - trucks, a crew of 30-40 men and bobcats operating on the
property.
Council deliberation began with Councilmember Capra stating this is a zoning
variance request which Council determines on a case -by -case basis. In this
particular case, he felt the applicant was misled by the real estate agent who bears
some responsibility, but the investor's responsibility would be to check out the
property records before spending money to fix it up. In Temple City, we are
attempting to conform legal nonconforming properties to the General Plan and have
codes and regulations we are trying to follow and uphold. One thing that stands out
is that with legal nonconforming — the zoning code specifies maintenance is allowed,
but not substantial improvements or upgrades. Therefore he could not find in favor of
the applicant and would uphold the decision of the Planning Commission and deny
the variance. He added that Ms. Rudar made a valid point that if Council allowed one
legal nonconforming property to go outside the boundaries, why not let every such
property do it.
Councilmember Wong sympathized with the applicant but agreed with
Councilmember Capra. The law is the law. Dues to lots of things, one can make a
mistake, but this mistake seems impossible for someone with a professional
background to make.
Councilmember Vizcarra echoed the sentiments expressed and agreed with
everything said. He would not have made that mistake and got stuck like that. While
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City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 7
he is sympathetic, as a Councilmember, he must look after the good of the whole
City. This is one occasion where he must think in bigger terms.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi echoed with the sentiments of his fellow Councilmembers.
Being a former Planning Commissioner, he was unable to make the findings to grant
a variance and would uphold the Planning Commission decision.
Mayor Zovak commented on speaking before the San Gabriel Valley Board of
Realtors and the issue of legal non - conforming came up. Although property owners
may say their agent did not tell them, realtors are bound to disclose everything as
they are the first to get sued. On this particular request, Mayor Zovak said he agreed
with Councilmembers. Although the requested end result might be more appealing,
Council has been approached in the past by other owners with situations more
marginal than this one and to allow it would set a precedent on legal nonconforming
cases. There are not enough findings that could be made on this particular case.
Councilmember Capra moved to adopt Resolution No. 04 -4292, a RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY DENYING A REQUEST BY
JIM AND TAMI ROMANI FOR A ZONE VARIANCE TO ALLOW THE COMPLETE
REFURBISHMENT OF FOUR EXISTING SINGLE STORY DWELLINGS ON A
19,972 SQUARE FOOT R -1 ZONED PARCEL. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS
LOCATED IN THE SINGLE FAMILY (R -1) RESIDENTIAL ZONE AT 5001 -5009
WILLMONTE AVENUE (ROMANI), seconded by Councilmember Wong and
unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember- Capra, Vizcarra, Wong, Arrighi, Zovak
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
B. PUBLIC HEARING: ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 04 -4289 — COMPLIANCE
WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
In 1992, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
implemented the Congestion Management Program (CMP). In accordance with this
program, every city must hold a public hearing and make an annual determination of
conformance. City Manager Cole presented the City's self - certification for Fiscal
Year 2003 -2004 and the proposed resolution certifying compliance with the CMP,
further detailed in the staff report.
Mayor Zovak opened the public hearing.
Hearing no requests to speak, either for or against this item, the public hearing was
closed.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi moved to adopt Resolution No. 04 -4289, a RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY, CALIFORNIA FINDING THE CITY TO BE IN
CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP)
AND ADOPTING THE CMP LOCAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089, seconded by
Councilmember Capra and unanimously carried.
C. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING
AND INSPECTION SERVICES
City Manager Cole requested the City Council authorize the City Manager to issue a
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Engineering and Inspection
City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 8
Services. In providing background information on this item, City Manager Cole stated
the City has spent a significant amount of money, over $500,000, in the last three
years for contract design and engineering services for its Capital Improvement
Projects (CIP). In the year 2000, the City found the level of engineering services was
not meeting its expectations and Council determined to take a different approach by
selecting three firms, each given the opportunity to bid on every City project. The
three pre - qualified firms are: TransTech Engineering, RKA, Inc. and Harris and
Associates. After four years under that system, the process is once again in need of
review, as one of the firms declines to bid and there have been issues with the other
two firms.
It was proposed to issue a general Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional
design, engineering and inspection services. It was proposed to change the process
to find one firm to serve as the City's contract engineer for an initial term of two years
with the potential for two two -year renewal options.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi moved to authorize the City Manager to issue a Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Engineering and Inspection Services, seconded
by Councilmember Wong and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember- Capra, Vizcarra, Wong, Arrighi, Zovak
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
D. CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT ON THE CONDITION OF ROSEMEAD
BOULEVARD
With the aid of a powerpoint presentation, City Manager Cole reported on the
condition of Rosemead Boulevard.
At the September 7, 2004 City Council meeting, 'Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi requested a
report from staff on the condition of Rosemead Boulevard and options available to
the City to address concerns along the State Highway.
Rosemead Boulevard, as part of the State of California's Highway System, is
designated State Highway 19 (also known as State Highway 164). As part of the
State Highway system, the street and sidewalk right -of -way are owned, controlled
and maintained by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans).
CalTrans has not been able to maintain many of its State Highways, including State
Highway 19, to a standard acceptable by local communities. The long standing
issues include inadequate condition of the pavement surface and abutting curbs,
gutters and sidewalks and the untidy condition of both pavement and sidewalk
surfaces.
The City has worked in the past with surrounding agencies to consider a joint
maintenance effort and many cities have, after a lengthy negotiation process,
decided to accept dedication of the State's right -of -way. Two pieces of legislation
were provided for Council's review dealing with acquisition of State rights -of -way.
Most notably is that piece of legislation that would allow the County to acquire
Rosemead Boulevard right -of -way. Staff has been diligently trying to obtain
information from the County and State for details, as the long term solution is to
acquire the right -of -way.
City Manager Cole reiterated what actions could be undertaken in the short term.
However, any type of clean -up or maintenance requires an encroachment permit
from Caltrans, which can take 6 -9 months to obtain. Public Works Director Stroud is
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City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 9
still working to get a permit to install the "No Parking" signs along Rosemead that
Council approved some time ago.
City Manager Cole answered questions of Council and discussion centered on
possible short term solutions. At the suggestion of enlisting aid from legislators and
government organizations, City Manager Cole cautioned it may be best until the City
is involved in actual right -of -way negotiations to ask for assistance.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi thanked City Manager Cole for bringing this item forward and
reporting to Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi moved to receive and file the report from the City Manager on
the condition of Rosemead Boulevard and to direct staff to pursue both short and
long term actions, as mentioned in the staff report and discussed this evening,
seconded by Councilmember Wong and unanimously carried.
E. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING A DESIGN FOR NEW ENTRY SIGNS FOR
THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY
City Manager Cole requested the City Council receive a report on three proposed
designs for new entryway signs and to select one design to replace the existing entry
signs to the City.
City Manager Cole stated, with the near completion of the Sultana Municipal Parking
Lot and its entryway sign, it was proposed for Council to consider a new design for
the approximately 20 signs located at entry points into the City to replace the
decades old signage.
At the request of City Manager Cole, Assistant Planner Fang Liu presented a
powerpoint presentation of three alternative designs for the entry signage, describing
each in turn. The first two designs featured the City flag and seal and the third
focused on the bandstand and camellia. Variations of wrought iron works around the
signs was suggested.
Council discussed the alternative designs and staff responded to questions. City
Manager Cole stated the signage would continue a similar theme from the parking
lot. The entryway sign approved at budget time using CDBG funding would use the
same theme. It was recommended to replace all entryway signage. Council
discussed the possibility of also using the selected design as a logo for business
cards, letterhead, etc.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi moved to receive and file the report and bring this item back
for discussion along with any others based upon the suggestions and comments
received this evening, seconded by Councilmember Capra and unanimously carried.
Mayor Zovak suggested the presentation of a proportional scale sign would be
helpful to Council.
9. COMMUNICATIONS — None
10. RECESS TO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
At 9:40 p.m., the City Council recessed to the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Minutes of the Agency Meeting are set forth in full in the Agency's records.
RECONVENE AS CITY COUNCIL
The City Council meeting reconvened at 9:41 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 10
11. ACTION ON REQUEST BY CRA — None
12. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Mary Burke, 5114 N. Sultana Avenue, spoke of the passing of former Councilmember Tom
Breazeal, saying he provided good advice and will be missed. The Code Enforcement
Officer for her neighborhood is Viet Tran and she felt he takes his work seriously, has a lot of
enthusiasm and keeps her informed. She said she was interested in whatever affects the
whole or part of the City and reported potholes, grass growing in the street and water coming
up out of the street in her neighborhood.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi, Ms. Burke provided the name of her water company
and indicated the location of water bubbling up in the street as the intersection of Sultana and
Pentland. Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi stated he would call the General Manager or
Superintendent of the water company to check out the situation.
13. UPDATE FROM CITY MANAGER — None
14. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS — None
15. COUNCIL REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC OR COMMISSION MEETINGS
Councilmember Wong stated the Ad Hoc Temple City Unified School District Committee
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meeting is scheduled for Monday, September ' .
Mayor Zovak reported attending a Council of Governments (COG) meeting at which
members were encouraged to invite their Councilmembers to show the benefits of being a
COG member.
16. COUNCIL ITEMS SEPARATE FROM THE CITY MANAGER'S REGULAR AGENDA
A. COUNCILMEMBER CAPRA
Councilmember Capra was pleased with the turnout for Patriot Day and
complimented staff on the presentation.
B. COUNCILMEMBER VIZCARRA
Councilmember Vizcarra felt Patriot Day went well and hoped to see more of the
City's younger residents attending in the future.
Councilmember Vizcarra attended many sessions of the League of California Cities
conference in Long Beach and was impressed with the conference. He
recommended attendance for next year.
C. COUNCILMEMBER WONG
Councilmember Wong agreed with Councilmembers Capra and Vizcarra, saying
Patriot Day was wonderful and hoped for a bigger turnout next year.
Councilmember Wong also attended Contract Cities meeting at the County Fire
Department's training center, which she enjoyed and complimented their personnel.
She also attended the League of Califomia Cities conference.
D. MAYOR PRO TEM ARRIGHI
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi echoed the sentiments of Patriot Day, saying it was an
excellent presentation and wished more young people would attend.
Mayor Pro Tem Arrighi attended the League of California Cities conference and
carried the City flag at opening ceremonies. He felt the conference was excellent
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City Council Minutes
September 21, 2004
Page 11
with good speakers and workshops and that Long Beach was well suited for such a
conference at their convention center.
E. MAYOR ZOVAK
Mayor Zovak passed along a resident's report concerning the condition of the
grounds at Live Oak Park, seeing a picnic table leaned up against playground
equipment, trash and debris and some playground equipment in need of repair for a
long period of time.
Mayor Zovak said he sat on the nominating committee for the Boy Scouts' District
Chairman along with the Mayors of Arcadia and Sierra Madre. At that meeting the
Mayor of Arcadia expressed a desire to have a joint meeting with the City Council of
Temple City, with the most immediate issue being the entry sign on Las Tunas Drive.
In response to Mayor Zovak, City Manager Cole stated he would issue invitations to
the City Councils of El Monte and Arcadia, as the invitation to the City of Rosemead
has been declined again.
17. LITIGATION UPDATE
The City Council reviewed the most recent litigation update provided by the City Attorney.
18. CLOSED SESSION — None
19. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
ATTEST: ... _:
City -Clerk
MAYOR