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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_2010-04-06_Regular 20101 1 1 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. City Council Minutes 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: 1 1 1 1 City Council Minutes April 6, 2010 Page 3 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 City Council Minutes 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 1 1 1 1 1 City Council Minutes April 6, 2010 Page 5 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 City Council Minutes 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 1 1 1 1 1 1 City Council Minutes April 6, 2010 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. City Council Minutes 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 1 1 1 1 City Council Minutes April 6, 2010 Page 9 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. City Council Minutes 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 1 1 1 1 1 City Council Minutes April 6, 2010 Page 11 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