HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_2010-04-06_Regular 20101
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CITY COUNCIL
TEMPLE CITY, CALIFORNIA
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 6, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vizcarra called the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. in the Council
Chambers located at 5938 Kauffman Avenue, Temple City.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmember -Blum, Sternquist, Yu, Chavez, Vizcarra
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Pulido, City Attorney Vail, Parks and Recreation Director
Burroughs, City Clerk Flandrick, Assistant to the City Manager Flod,
Community Development Manager Lambert, Financial Services Manager
Molina, Public Services Manager Tidwell, Public Safety Officer Ariizumi
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Services Manager Bill Tidwell led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS — PRESENTATIONS
A. RECOGNITION OF THOSE WHO AIDED IN HOUSE FIRE RESCUE
Jeffrey Weber, personally thanked those persons who were involved in trying to save his
uncle. Although he did not survive, Mr. Weber was very thankful for all they tried to do for
his uncle.
Mayor Vizcarra presented a Certificate of Recognition to the following persons who aided
in the house fire rescue on Bogue Street in January: Tim Conger, Aaron Cho, Joselito
Lasin, Colin Gowan and Deputy Reynaldo Lainez. Lieutenant Coronne Jacob and
Sergeant Tony Osterman of Temple Station also presented each of the civilians with a
scroll in recognition of their valiant actions and unselfish efforts in rendering assistance.
Lieutenant Jacob announced that Deputy Lainez would be honored at a Sheriff's
ceremony at a later date.
B. NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK PROCLAMATION
Susan Schlaeger, Temple City Library Manager, accepted a proclamation from Mayor
Vizcarra proclaiming April 11 through April 17, 2010 as National Library Week.
C. SAN GABRIEL VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP UPDATE
Cynthia Kurtz, President — CEO and Mike Shay, Vice President — Investor Relations,
presented information regarding membership benefits in the Economic Partnership. They
reviewed the Partnership's goals and mission to preserve and enhance the quality of life
and assist businesses in advocating public policy. They reviewed a variety of tools
offered in support of economic development and urged the City Council to renew the
City's membership in this organization.
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April 6, 2010
Page 2
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Tianyi Chenq and Audrey Lee, representing the Youth Committee, reported establishing a
Mission Statement at their March 25' meeting. The Committee will serve as a link to the Council
and promote ideas and input. They will establish goals and inform the Council on what appeals
to youth in the community.
Jerry Jambazian, Temple City businessman, asked that Council adjourn this meeting in memory
of resident John Zubrick who passed away on March 22. He also commented on a recent
newspaper editorial which he felt unfairly compared Temple City to other San Gabriel Valley
cities.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
City Clerk Flandrick removed Items A -2, Minutes of the Special Joint Meeting of March 23, 2010,
to indicate that Councilmember Blum was present; and Item D for correct the amount of the
progress payment to be $750.00.
Councilmember Blum moved to approve Item A:
1) Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 16, 2010;
2) Minutes of the Special Joint Meeting of March 23, 2010, as amended;
3) Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 23, 2010;
4) Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 24, 2010; and
and Item D, as amended:
Approved Progress Payment No. 1, in the amount of $750.00 to Hirsch & Associates, Inc. for
professional architectural services performed for the Live Oak Park Circular Planter Renovation
Project (P10 -03),
seconded by Councilmember Yu and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember -Blum, Sternquist, Yu, Chavez, Vizcarra
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
Councilmember Sternquist removed Item H for comments, asking for an explanation of what the
CDBG funds do for the City for the benefit of the public.
Community Development Manager Lambert stated Item H recommends the adoption of a
resolution designating April 4 through April 10 as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Week. Block Grant funding is federal funding passed down through the Community Development
Commission (CDC) to Temple City and other cities. It is used mostly for home improvement
loans and grants for income qualified households. For several years in a row, the federal
government has requested City support of the Program, which is sometimes in danger of federal
budget cuts.
Councilmember Blum moved to adopt Resolution No. 10 -4662, a RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION BY DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF APRIL 4
THROUGH APRIL 10, 2010 AS "COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT WEEK ",
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
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City Council Minutes
April 6, 2010
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AYES: Councilmember -Blum, Sternquist, Yu, Chavez, Vizcarra
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez stated he would recuse himself from the vote on Item I, as he lives in
proximity to the issue at hand.
Councilmember Yu moved to adopt Resolution No. 10 -4664. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY DENYING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 09 -1747
FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A FIFTY -FOUR (54) FOOT TALL CELLULAR TOWER, seconded
by Councilmember Sternquist, and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember -Blum, Sternquist, Yu, Vizcarra
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
Councilmember Yu moved to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, seconded by
Councilmember Blum and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember -Blum, Sternquist, Yu, Chavez, Vizcarra
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
B. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ACTIONS — MEETING OF MARCH 17,
2010
Received and filed the Planning Commission actions of their meeting of March 17, 2010.
C. APPROVAL OF PROGRESS PAYMENT NO. 1 TO ELITE BOBCAT SERVICE, INC.
FOR WORK PERFORMED ON THE FREER STREET ASPHALT OVERLAY PROJECT
(P09 -09)
1) Approved Progress Payment No. 1, in the amount of $66,305.25, to Elite Bobcat
Service, Inc. for construction services performed on the Freer Street Asphalt Overlay
Project thus far; and
2) Authorized a security deposit to Commerce West Bank in the amount of $7,367.25 as
a substitute for retention earnings required to be held by the Construction Contract.
E. FINAL MAP APPROVAL FOR PARCEL MAP NO. 66880 AT 4851 HELEO AVENUE
Approved the Final Map for Parcel Map No. 66880 at 4851 Heleo Avenue by the
following actions:
1) Made findings as follows:
a. That the proposed subdivision conforms to the applicable requirements and
conditions imposed pursuant to the State Subdivision Map Act (Government
code Section 66410, et seq.) and the County's Subdivision Ordinance (Title 21)
and is in substantial compliance with the previously approved tentative map;
b. That the division and development of the property, in the manner set forth on the
approved tentative map for this subdivision, will not unreasonably interfere with
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April 6, 2010
Page 4
the free and complete exercise of any rights of way or easements owned by any
public entity and /or public utility in accordance with Section 66436(a)3A (i -viii) of
the State Subdivision Map Act;
2) Approved the Parcel Map;
3) Accepted dedications as indicated on Parcel Map Number 66880;
4) Approved and accepted the work agreements and improvement securities as
enumerated in the letter from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public
Works; and
5) Instructed the City Clerk to endorse on the face of Parcel Map Number 66880 the
certificate that embodies the approval of said Map.
F. APPROVE ADMINISTERING AGENCY -STATE AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL AID;
PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO. 005 -N (UPGRADE TRAFFIC SIGNALS ON TEMPLE
CITY BOULEVARD & LAS TUNAS DRIVE AND BALDWIN AVENUE & OLIVE STREET)
Approved Program Supplement No. 005 -N to request reimbursement of Highway Safety
Improvement Program (HSIP) funds from the State for the Upgrade of Traffic Signals on
Temple City Boulevard & Las Tunas Drive and Baldwin Avenue & Olive Street Project.
G. APPROVAL TO USE TEMPLE CITY'S SHARE OF FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2009 -10
APPROPRIATION OF PROPOSITION 1B TRANSPORTATION BOND TO FUND THE
ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
1) Approved the use of Temple City's share of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 -10 appropriation
of Proposition 1B Transportation Bond Funds, in the amount of $530,758.14, toward
the Rosemead Boulevard Improvement Project;
2) Authorized staff to submit to the Department of Finance the project expected to be
funded with bond funds, to receive Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 -10 allocation of Proposition
1B funds from the State Controller's Office; and
3) Approved the budget amendment in the amount of $530,760 and amend the adopted
budget accordingly.
J. PETTY CASH AND VISA CARD REPORTS
Received and filed the Petty Cash and Visa Card Reports with the current charges.
K. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 10 -4663 — APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF BILLS
Adopted Resolution No. 10 -4663, a RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ALLOWING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF
$572,943.05 DEMAND NOS. 28976 THROUGH 29108.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF PLACEMENT OF BRONZE BUST OF WALTER P. TEMPLE IN
TEMPLE CITY PARK
Parks and Recreation Director Burroughs stated on March 2, 2010, the City Council
approved the commission of a bust of Walter P. Temple in conjunction with the City's 50th
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April 6, 2010
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Anniversary. The bust is to be placed in, or near, Temple City Park within the Civic
Center Complex. A meeting was held with Robert Hepler, a resident who is coordinating
the project with the artist, to discuss possible locations for placement of the bust. In
determining the best location, several factors were taken into consideration, including
potential foot traffic, backdrop, and access to electricity.
Director Burroughs presented views and a description of the four locations that were
proposed for Council's consideration. Location No. 1 is at the southwest corner of
Temple City Park, near the flagpoles and sidewalk on Las Tunas Drive. Location Nos. 2
and 3 are at the southeast corner of the Park, near the park sign and planter located at
Golden West Avenue and Las Tunas Drive. The second location would place the bust in
front of, or to the side of, the park sign, facing the street. The third location would have
the bust placed on the opposite side of the sign, facing the park.
Staff is currently working on the project to design new monument signs for Live Oak Park
and Temple City Park. If either the second or third location were selected, staff could
incorporate the placement of the bust, as well as design of the pedestal and any
necessary signage, into the monument, if project funding is available. Additional Park
Acquisition funds are also available for this purpose.
The fourth location is at the east entrance to City Hall. Mr. Hepler does not recommend
this location as the foot traffic would likely be less than the other options; however, staff
believes this is the most secure location with less chance of vandalism.
Council discussed their preferences of location with Director Burroughs responding to
questions.
Councilmember Yu moved to approve location No. 2, subject to redesign of the sign and
planter, and if funding was not available, to approve location No. 1, seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Chavez and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember -Blum, Sternquist, Yu, Chavez, Vizcarra
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. PUBLIC HEARING: ADOPTION OF URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 10 -933U
CONTINUING THE PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE NOS. 09 -925U AND 09 -926U FOR
A PERIOD OF TWELVE (12) MONTHS TO ESTABLISH A MORATORIUM ON
MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES AND ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICAL
MARIJUANA AT BUSINESSES IN THE CITY
City Attorney Vail stated, on April 21, 2009, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 09-
925U establishing an interim urgency ordinance prohibiting Medical Marijuana
Dispensary businesses for a period of forty -five days. On June 2, 2009, Ordinance No.
09 -926U was adopted, extending the urgency moratorium on Medical Marijuana
Dispensaries for an additional ten months and fifteen days. At this time, Staff
recommends that the City Council adopt Interim Ordinance No. 10 -933U to extend the
moratorium a final additional year, expiring on April 21, 2011. The reason for the
extension is that state law continues to be in a state of flux and staff is not able to put
together an ordinance that would withstand judicial scrutiny at this time. The federal
government has recently stated it will no longer enforce the ban on medical marijuana
facilities where a City or State has the Compassionate Use Act, so there is still a conflict
with federal law. State law courts have recently upheld the ability of Cities to impose an
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April 6, 2010
Page 6
urgency ordinance to temporarily ban medical marijuana dispensaries. There is a case
pending through the Court that will address whether or not Cities can adopt a permanent
ban. The purpose of the interim ordinance is to allow staff time to evaluate the situation
and propose an alternative. He felt it will take another year to determine what is right and
legally sustainable for Temple City. It was recommended that Council adopt the interim
urgency ordinance to extend the moratorium for another twelve months.
Mayor Vizcarra opened the public hearing.
Hearing no requests to speak, either for or against this item, the public hearing was
closed.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez moved to waive further reading of the ordinance and adopt
Ordinance No. 10 -933U.
City Clerk Flandrick read the title of Ordinance No. 10 -933U.
Councilmember Yu seconded the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 10 -933U, an INTERIM
URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY,
CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING THE PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE NOS. 09 -925U AND
09 -926U TO CONTINUE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR THE MORATORIUM
BOTH ON NEW MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES AND ON THE DISTRIBUTION
OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA AT EXISTING BUSINESSES IN THE CITY, and was
unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember -Blum, Sternquist, Yu, Chavez, Vizcarra
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
B. PUBLIC HEARING: ZONE CHANGE 09 -1751 AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 09-
01 AT 4910 ENCINITA AVENUE
Mayor Vizcarra recused himself from consideration of this item as he owns affected
property. Mayor Pro Tem Chavez assumed the Chair.
With the aid of a power point presentation, Community Development Manager Lambert
reviewed his staff report, stating, on February 9, 2010, the Planning Commission
recommended denial of a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to reclassify a
property from the "residential" category to the "manufacturing" category. The subject
property is currently designated as Medium Density Residential by the City's General
Plan and is zoned Medium Density Residential (R -2). The applicant is requesting to
change the classification of his property from R -2 to Light Manufacturing (M -1), with a
General Plan designation of Industrial.
The subject site is located at 4910 Encinita Avenue, which is on the east side of the
street between La Rosa Drive and Roseglen Street, and contains one 920 square foot
single family residence. The site abuts the Eaton Wash and R -1 properties to the east,
an M -1 property with a dog kennel to the north, an R -2 property to the south, and M -1
properties to the west across Encinita Avenue.
At this time there is no development proposed. The request is simply to re- designate and
re -zone the property. Any new development would require submittal of a Site Plan
Review application and certain proposed uses would require approval of a Conditional
Use Permit. The subject lot is 50 feet wide and has an average depth of 314 feet.
Although there is currently one house on the property, the R -2 zoning would allow a total
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City Council Minutes
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Page 7
of three units on the site. However, the 50 -foot lot width makes development of a three
unit residential project rather difficult because of the minimum setbacks and driveway
width. The adjoining lot to the north is zoned M -1 and is improved with a dog kennel.
The applicant has stated that this situation makes new residential development on the
subject site an unattractive option.
The M -1 designation is somewhat appropriate in that lots to the north and west are zoned
similarly. However, in terms of development potential, re- zoning the subject property to
M -1 may result in a marginal use, as the subject lot is rather small and will probably not
yield a significant light industrial use. Also, re- zoning the subject lot would make the
existing residence on the site a non - conforming use.
Properties to the south are zoned R -2 and also serve as a buffer between the M -1 zone
and the R -1 zoned properties on Roseglen Street. Initially staff felt that there were
reasons to support this property as either R -2 or M -1 zones as both are prevalent in the
immediate vicinity, and recommended as such to the Planning Commission. However,
after the public hearing, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council
deny the request based on the fact that the rezoning would create more inconsistency in
the vicinity, would result in a non - conforming use on the lot, and could create adverse
consequences to the surrounding residential neighborhoods by adding another industrial
use. The Planning Commission also felt that the entire M -1 area along Encinita should
be studied when the Land Use Element of the General Plan is updated. Staff
recommended denial of this request.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez opened the public hearing.
Steve Bernardi, Temple City resident, expressed strong opposition to the proposed
request, stating his property is located almost directly across the wash. The request to
change the zoning to light manufacturing is totally in appropriate to the area, despite
similar uses previously allowed. Referring to his letter submitted earlier, he stated that
the homes and properties across from this property are small and of medium density. He
and his family have lived in his home since the 1950's and have had to bear the noise
from across the wash for many years coming from the dog kennel. The request to
rezone to another manufacturing type use along Encinita has the potential to create
additional noise and air pollution impacts to nearby residents. The only zone change that
would be acceptable is office use.
Edward Calvert, applicant and owner of the subject property, stated he believed at one
time the property was zoned M -1. There is a problem in developing residential with the
kennel to the north. Realtors he has spoken to have all suggested not building residential
units. Properties on both sides are zoned M -1 and it did not make sense to him that his
property should be zoned R -2 next to a dog kennel. He could put in a warehouse in an
M -1 zone and felt it was the best use of the property with parking in front. There is a
similar use up the street and it would be beneficial to the neighbors as it would isolate the
kennel.
Mr. Calvert responded to questions from Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, stating he was aware
when he bought the property about 11/z years ago that it was zoned R -2 and his intent
was to develop it. He did not see how the people across the wash would be impacted if it
were rezoned as they are far away.
Mary Kokayko, Temple City resident, said she was tired of people buying property before
checking into it. You can't buy things and think once you get it to come to the City to fix
it. She did not feel sorry for this person; he knew exactly what he was getting into.
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April 6, 2010
Page 8
Richard Flores, Temple City resident, encouraged the City Council to vote on the
recommendation that the Planning Commission brought forward — that the rezoning
request be denied. This request is strongly opposed by residents of the surrounding area
because of potential noise and potential development that will not benefit any of the
surrounding residential homes. The majority of homes to the south and east of this
location are single family low -to- medium density homes. Why does the City have to
accommodate a business person who does not have the foresight to do research. Mr.
Flores requested that Council uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
Jim Law, Temple City resident, said he owns property there and interjected the idea that
many years ago a tool company was there until residents complained and the business
left town and the City lost tax money.
Hearing no further requests to speak, either for or against this item, the public hearing
was closed.
Councilmember Yu said he could understand where the applicant is coming from as this
is a difficult property to develop. However, it has all the rights of enjoyment of an R -2
property. Before considering a zone change, Council has to look at the impact of the
surrounding neighborhood. R -2 zones are buffer zones for M -1 and R -1 properties. The
wash acts as a buffer to the east. He was totally in agreement with the Planning
Commission because by approving an M -1 zone would be creating more non - conforming
uses. He would support denial of this request.
Councilmember Sternquist said she too could sympathize with the owner. She was not in
favor of rezoning a single site, as doing that in piecemeal is not what the City is looking
for. She was not in favor of approving this request.
Councilmember Blum stated zoning is a major tool in the City and in how the City is set
up. Piecemeal zoning is not what needs to take place. If this property became M -1, we
would have two small pieces of R -2 property above and below and that would not make
sense.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez agreed, stating it is unfortunate for the residents in this area that
there was no plan of sound principals in zoning here. He believed in basing his decision
for what is best for the community. Granting this request would only perpetuate
inconsistent zoning in this area. The Planning Commission suggested this area should
be studied when the City updates its General Plan and he agreed it needs to be looked
at. He did not see sufficient evidence to grant this request.
Councilmember Sternquist moved to adopt Resolution No. 10 -4661, a RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY DENYING ZONE CHANGE 09-
1751 AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 09 -01 TO REZONE AND REDESIGNATE
THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE PROPERTY ADDRESSED AS 4910
ENCINITA AVENUE FROM R -2 AND MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO M -1 AND
INDUSTRIAL. THE EXISTING ZONING OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS R -2, AND
THE EXISTING GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION IS MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL.
THE REQUESTED ZONING IS M -1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND THE REQUESTED
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION IS INDUSTRIAL. (ZC 09 -1751 & GP 09 -01)
(CALVERT), seconded by Councilmember Yu and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember -Blum, Sternquist, Yu, Chavez
NOES: Councilmember -None
ABSENT: Councilmember -None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember -None
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Mayor Vizcarra resumed the Chair.
9. COMMUNICATIONS — None
10. RECESS TO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
At 9:02 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 was reconvened at 9:04 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
11. ACTION ON REQUEST BY CRA — None
12. UPDATE FROM CITY MANAGER — None
13. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS — None
14. COUNCIL REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC OR COMMISSION MEETINGS
Councilmember Yu reported on the last Ad Hoc Budget Meeting with City Manager Pulido and
Financial Services Manager Molina in which discussion involved a few budget related items, in
particular benefits, projected benefits and the implications involved. Staff was asked to poll other
cities to see what they have put in place.
Mayor Vizcarra added the focus is the review of benefits of employees and Councilmembers.
The Committee will be looking at this issue closely as well as the rehabbing of the Chambers.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez reported on the Youth Committee, two members of which introduced
themselves earlier in the meeting. The Committee is off to a great start and this group of youth is
very enthused and excited. They have adopted a Mission Statement and set goals and he
expected great ideas to come out of this group.
15. COUNCIL ITEMS SEPARATE FROM THE CITY MANAGER'S REGULAR AGENDA
A. COUNCILMEMBER BLUM
Councilmember Blum asked for copies of the forecast reports prepared by the Planning
Task Committees to be made available to the City Council as they prepare for their
upcoming goals planning session.
Councilmember Blum said he received a letter from John Zubrick four days before he
died asking that the prayer invocation be reinstated before each meeting. Years ago the
City Council did have a non - denominational prayer before their meetings and he
recommended that this be brought back. He was aware of the guidelines and spoke to
the City Attorney of several ways in which it could be done.
City Attorney Vail stated in 2003, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals prohibited sectarian
prayer, meaning you cannot invoke the name of any god or deity within the prayer.
However, Cities can still give a non - sectarian, non - denominational prayer before
meetings. There are a number of models to follow or Council could adopt a series of
guidelines which he could provide for review and consideration.
Mayor Vizcarra said he would like Council to get the guidelines and receive community
input before making a decision on this matter.
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April 6, 2010
Page 10
Councilmember Blum asked that this item be placed on a future agenda.
B. COUNCILMEMBER STERNQUIST
Councilmember Sternquist received an email from an 80 year old woman who has a
desire to come into Temple City and go to lunch and shop, but lives in the county section
of Arcadia. She wanted to know if it were possible to have Dial -a -Ride pick up some of
these people who come into the City to bring them directly to Temple City and back.
Councilmember Sternquist thought this was a great idea for those people who would not
like to be driving and still want to come shop in our City. She asked staff to look into this.
Councilmember Sternquist asked about the City's $5,000 green grant and how it is
advertised, so that those people who have not taken advantage of the $10,000 grant may
be informed and make use of the $5,000 grant.
Community Development Manager Lambert stated his department does have a list of
interested applicants in this CDBG grant for energy improvements. They also sometimes
receive just a general application and try to find a program to fit. The grant program is
advertised through the City's newsletter and is also on the website.
Councilmember Sternquist reported she and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez went to the high
school to observe Sheriffs training for situations that could possibly take place, as in
Columbine. It was quite amazing with some students role playing. She learned a lot
about the proceedings that need to take place and thought the demonstration was very
well done and interesting to see.
C. COUNCILMEMBER YU
1) Formation of City Council Ad Hoc Committee for the Rosemead Boulevard
Improvement Project
Councilmember Yu stated the City is in the enviable position of receiving estimates
lower than the funds budgeted for the Rosemead Boulevard Improvement Project, so
there is an opportunity to really improve this project and add more pedestrian
amenities, especially at the gateway points where people come into our City. He
asked Council to form an Ad Hoc Committee to work with staff and the consultant on
some of the pedestrian amenities and lighting, etc.
Council concurred with this suggestion and Mayor Vizcarra appointed
Councilmembers Blum and Yu to the Rosemead Boulevard Improvement Project Ad
Hoc Committee for review and input of pedestrian amenities and streetscape design.
D. MAYOR PRO TEM CHAVEZ
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez added, regarding the Sheriff's training, that it was quite an
experience and comforting at the same time to know that the Sheriffs Department is
taking a proactive approach and not waiting for the elite swat team to arrive. The Sheriffs
are trained to come in and take care of the situation right away. It was quite eye opening
and he commended the Sheriff's Department for taking the time to do it.
E. MAYOR VIZCARRA
Mayor Vizcarra felt that there was not enough feedback on the 50th Anniversary
celebration and he asked that an update be given at each Council meeting. He also
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April 6, 2010
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asked that an update from the Chamber of Commerce be given also to Council at least
once a month.
16. REIMBURSEMENTS OF EXPENSES PAID TO OFFICIALS FOR CONDUCT OF CITY
BUSINESS
A. COUNCILMEMBER BLUM — None
B. COUNCILMEMBER STERNQUIST - $425.00 — Registration for California Association of
Public Information Officials (CAPIO) Conference
C. COUNCILMEMBER YU — None
D. MAYOR PRO TEM CHAVEZ - $425.00 — Registration for California Association of Public
Information Officials (CAPIO) Conference
E. MAYOR VIZCARRA - $425.00 — Registration for California Association of Public
Information Officials (CAPIO) Conference
17. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Mary Burke, Temple City resident, said she recently purchased two 50th Anniversary T -shirts at a
reasonable price and also one large shirt. She felt they were very beautiful and would make
lovely gifts and suggested that these commemorative shirts be exhibited in the Chambers for the
public to see.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez agreed and suggested that Council wear a 50th Anniversary T -shirt at the
first Council meeting in May.
Peter Serdarusich, Temple City resident, was elated of Council's action in denying the installation
of a cell tower facility earlier in the meeting and said he would make sure that residents in his
area were informed. Also, he said he would like to see more street repairs, like the recent project
on Freer Street as public works are very important to the City. He suggested Public Works
review the secondary and collector streets and formulate a better action plan to address street
problems. He offered to help in any way.
18. CLOSED SESSION — None
19. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:33 p.m. in honor and in memory of John
Zubrick.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem