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03/27/1997CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH 27, 1997 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace was called to order in the Council Chambers, Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California, on March 27, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Dan Buchanan, Mayor Pro Tem Herman Hilkey, Councilmember Jim Singley, Councilmember Lee Ann Garcia, Councilmember John Donlevy, Assistant City Manager Tracey Martinez, Deputy City Clerk Bernard Simon, Finance Director Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director Virgil Barham, Building and Safety Director Jim Winkler, City Attorney's Office Lt. Mike Howell, Sheriffs Department Captain Sheree Stewart, Sheriffs Department ABSENT: Byron Matteson, Mayor Tom Schwab, City Manager Brenda Stanfill, City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Lee Ann Garcia. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Recycling Family of the Month - February 1997 Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan announced that Pauline Huntoon and family are the recipients of the Recycling Family of the Month Award for the month of February 1997 and of the local merchant gift certificates from Blue Mountain Coffee House, Stater Brothers Markets, Dominos Pizza, and La Pasta Italia. CONSENT CALENDAR CC-97-25 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 4-0-1-0 (MAYOR MATTESON WAS ABSENT), to approve the following consent calendar items: A. Approval of check Register No. 032797 B. Ratify 03-27-97 CRA Action Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 2 C. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda D. Approval of 03-13-97 Minutes E. Report of Appropriations and Actual Expenditures, Supplemental Law Enforcement Fund F. Audit Report of the Special Gas Tax Improvement Fund, Year End 06/30/95 G. Reschedule April 10, 1997 Council Meeting to April 8, 1997 H. Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of a Used Oil Block Grant Application - 1997 NEW BUSINESS 8B. Sheriff's Department Year End Report Captain Stewart, Sheriffs Department, introduced the deputies who have been assigned to Grand Terrace for a year - two of which reside in Grand Terrace. The Sheriff's Department is working on adding personalized service to the City of Grand Terrace. She stated that the Sheriffs Department wants to be a part of the City and want to become more involved in the community. They provided a very extensive report on crime statistics and the programs that the CSO prepares and provides. Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, expressed his satisfaction with the report that was provided by the Sheriffs Department and is excited about the increased focus on personalizing the service to the community. He feels that it is important to have a strong and positive representation between the community and law enforcement personnel. Councilmember Garcia, she is pleased with the personalized service and commended Tonya Nelson, CSO and Captain Stewart on the outstanding report that they have provided and requested that one be made available to the public. Captain Stewart, responded that there are some areas that would need to be modified to be a public document. Tonya Nelson. CSO, stated that it is her hope that the report will show the intent of her programs and to make Council aware of the programs that she prepares. She reported that Grand Terrace Days will be on June 7, 1997. This year they plan to focus on Public and Health Safety, City Programs, Projects, and Resources, and Fire. Councilmember Singlex, thanked Captain Stewart for the report and thanked the Deputies for volunteering to work in the City of Grand Terrace. Councilmember HilkeX, questioned the number of burglaries and requested that someone Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 3 get back to him from the Sheriffs Department. He requested that the Sheriffs Department help come up with ideas on how to control costs. Captain Stewart, stated that the Sheriff is currently looking at several issues to help cut costs to contract cities. Lt. Howell, stated that they are looking at a number of ways to help contract cities with their budget at the direction of the Sheriff. He stated that the Sheriff is very sympathetic to cities and the issues that have caused contract costs to go up. Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, stated that he was unaware that the Lo-Jack program is in place and available in the City of Grand Terrace. PUBLIC COMA) ENT Ed O'Neal, 22608 Minona, commented on a article that was in the The Sun Newspaper regarding the Fire Protection Agency issue. He urged the Council to support the Supervisor by resolution. ORAL REPORTS 5A. Committee Reports 1. Crime Prevention Committee (a) Minutes of 02-10-97 CC-97-26 MOTION BY COUNCII,MEM 3ER SINGLEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER HaXEY, CARRIED 4-0-1-0 (MAYOR MATTESON WAS ABSENT), to accept the February 10, 1997 Minutes of the Crime Prevention Committee. 2. Park and Recreation Committee (a) Minutes of 01-06-97 & 02-03-97 CC-97-27 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, CARRIED 4-0-1-0 (MAYOR MATTESON WAS ABSENT), to accept the January 6, 1997 and February 3, 1997 Minutes of the Park and Recreation Committee. Councilmember Garcia, requested that Committee Members prepare a brief report on items that they represent when they are going to be absent from a meeting. Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 4 Councilmember Singlet', stated that the CDBG funding of $15,000 for the preparation of designs for landscaping at the Susan Petta Park were approved by the Board of Supervisors. 3. Historical and Cultural Activities Committee (a) Minutes of 03-03-97 CC-97-28 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 4-0-1-0 (MAYOR MATTESON WAS ABSENT), to accept the March 3, 1997 Minutes of the Historical and Cultural Activities Committee. 5B. Council Reports Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, reported that on March 29, the City will be holding their annual Spring Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m. at Pico Park. Grand Terrace Days will be a week long event and will conclude on Saturday, June 7, 1997 with a parade and fair. Those who are interested in participating can contact the City. The County Board of Supervisors at their last meeting voted to retract their decision to fund an independent study in regards to the consolidation of CSA-38 and put the process back into the hands of the County Administrative Officer. He expressed his dissatisfaction with their decision and the fact that the item was not agendized. Councilmember Singlev, stated that we need to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors voicing our concern with them taking action on an item that was not agendized. Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, stated that the Board of Supervisors need to have an independent study that people will have some confidence in and will demonstrate that what they are doing is in the best interest of the residents in the area of CSA-38 and other areas serviced by CDF. The citizens of Grand Terrace all pay for CSA-38, not through the City, they pay for it through property tax assessments and the Board of Supervisors is responsible for administering CSA-38. We as City representatives speak on behalf of the residents that make up CSA-38. It is not a City vs. County issue. They are asking that the Board of Supervisors make an honest assessment of this issue before they decide which direction they should go in. He stated that he will continue to attend the Board of Supervisors Meetings along with City Manager Schwab and will continue to press their concern regarding this issue. He stated that if the County does not want to spend our tax dollars to do this study through CSA-38 that cities have generally expressed that they are willing to pay their share of the cost of a study. Councilmember Singley, stated that if the cities fund this study the County Board of Supervisors will believe that this is a bias study. It should be done by CSA-38 so they Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 5 can get an independent firm to do an unbias study. There are three options 1)Convert Fire Suppression to CDF 2) Have Fire Suppression run completely by the county and 3) Stay the way it is. They need to look at these options and see which option would be most cost effective for everyone. Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, stated that these three options should be looked at, however, it appears that they have already made up their mind to make Fire Suppression County run which is unfortunate. Councilmember Singlev, reported that he spoke to Mayor Matteson and he is doing well and should be back within the next couple of months. Councilmember Hilkev, reported that on April 15, 1997 there will be a free presentation on a book called "Edge City" by Joe Gauro. He stated that OMNITRANS has provided some flyers on transportation options for the residents in Grand Terrace. He also reported that he and City Manger Schwab attended a very extensive seminar put on by the League of California Cities where they talked about regaining the cities tax base. He believes that there will be some written legislation within a year that will have state-wide support which will help to stabilize cities. Councilmember Garcia, reported that she attended the Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon and there was a presentation on the Internet. She was glad to see how many people use the Internet. She made a suggestion to the Chamber to possibly host an Internet training session in the Council Chamber and have it broadcasted on our community access channel. She stated that she is trying to visit all of the schools to become active in them. She visited Terrace View and had a wonderful tour by Mrs. Ferre', Principal. She also visited Terrace Hills Junior High. She attended Terrace View's PTA meeting and found that they are a very committed and active group. She also attended Opening Ceremonies for the Grand Terrace Little League. She reported that Assistant City Manager Donlevy gave her a Tour of Pico Park. She reported that she attended the Livable Communities Workshop along with Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan in San Bernardino and Community Development Director Materassi attended the Livable Communities Workshop in Riverside, so combined they should have some good ideas and information to share. She had a meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan with a couple of developers in town to talk about some options on some buildings and property. She will be participating in the Colton High School Mock Interviews. She stated that she is looking forward to Mayor Matteson's return. Councilmember Sin glev, reported that a special committee has been formed with regards to the billboard issue and Community Development Director Materassi will be our representative. L Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 6 PUBLIC HEARINGS 6A. TPM-96-01. Tentative Parcel Map Application to Subdivide Parcel Map 14911 into Two (21 Separate Parcels to Construct Two (2) Single Family Residences (12520 Mirado Avenue and 22381 Van Buren Street) Community Development Director Materassi, The Grand Terrace Community Redevelopment Agency purchased the subject site as part of its purchase rehabilitation program for first time home buyers. The original house on the site was demolished by the City due to the substandard construction conditions which made it cost prohibitive to rehabilitate. The subject lot is conductive to a lot split due to the fact that it is 20,540 square feet, fronts on two streets, and its configuration allows application of minimum zoning standards such as lot width and depth. When developed, one house will face Mirado Avenue and contain 1,368 square feet of livable space, and one house will face Van Buren Street and contain 1,357 square feet of liveable space. The lot fronting Van Buren Street is 8,622 square feet, and the lot fronting Mirado and Van Buren is 11,153 square feet. This proposed tentative parcel map is consistent with the Grand Terrace General Plan and Zoning Code. The City Engineer has reviewed and cleared the subject parcel map. Councilmember Hilkey, questioned what the average lot size is in the neighborhood. Community Development Director Materassi, responded that the zoning minimum in that area is 7,200. Councilmember HAkey, questioned what the relative size to the surrounding lots. Community Development Director Materassi, responded that there are larger lots and smaller lots and feels that it is an average size. Councilmember Hilkey, questioned whether the houses will decrease property values of the surrounding lots. Community Development Director Materassi, stated that she feels that the houses will increase the property values. Councilmember Hilkey, requested that she provide a list of the lot sizes in the 300 foot notice area. Mayor Pro Tern Buchanan opened discussion to the public, there being none he returned discussion to Council. Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 7 CC-97-29 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, CARRIED 4-0-1-0 (MAYOR MATTESON WAS ABSENT), to approve TPM-96-01, Tentative Parcel Map Application to Subdivide Parcel Map 14911 into Two (2) Separate Parcels to Construct Two (2) Single Family Residences (12520 Mirado Avenue and 22381 Van Buren Street). UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7A. A Second Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace, California. Regulating_the Sale and Discharge of Fireworks Michael O'Connell, 22596 Thrush Street, thanked everyone for attending the Opening Ceremonies for the Grand Terrace Little League. He thanked the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for flying Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan in to throw the first pitch. He stated that he supports the Fireworks Ordinance and urged the Council to approve it and try it for one year. It will be a good thing for youth organizations. Ed O'Neal, 22608 Minona Drive, stated that he supports the Fireworks Ordinance and urged the Council to approve it. Jo Ann Johnson, 12723 Mt. Vernon Avenue, complemented Michael O'Connell on his presentation and stated that in some ways she agrees with him. She read a letter that she wrote to the Councilmembers strongly opposing the sale and discharge of fireworks in the City of Grand Terrace. Barbara Pfenni hg ausen, 22111 Ladera Street, stated that she is for youth activities. She opposes the ordinance, however, if it is approved she hopes that literature will be provided to the community on safe ways to use fireworks and encourages residents to be respectful of their neighbors. She questioned whether this ordinance will repeal the ordinance that currently exists. Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, responded that this Ordinance only covers this year between June 27, 1997 and July 5, 1997. Paul Miller, California Department of Forestry, reaffirmed their position opposing the ordinance. He requested that some language be added to the ordinance regarding set backs in brush areas if Council approves the second reading of this ordinance. He clarified statistics regarding injuries due to fireworks. He stated that they have written citations and fines have been levied. Julie Taylor, 23021 Orangewood Court, supports the Fireworks Ordinance and feels that it would be the best way to raise funds quickly for the youth organizations. Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 8 Sarah Green, 22432 Raven Way, supports the Fireworks Ordinance. She stated that this is a great way for the organizations to raise money quickly which will help them to become more self-sufficient. Sally Hall-, 12569 Oriole Avenue, stated that she opposes the Fireworks Ordinance. She stated that she sent a letter to the Council stating her opposition and discussed some of her experiences that dealt with fireworks. She stated that she would gladly help by donating some money or purchasing items to help with fundraising. She feels that there are better ways to raise money. Mike O'Neal, Oriole Avenue, stated that he is opposed to fireworks. Resident, 11983 Canal Street, he stated that he supports the Fireworks Ordinance and feels that the parents need to be responsible. He stated that there is no other opportunities to raise money as quickly. He supports other ways to raise funds as well. Marcus Navarro, stated that he supports the Fireworks Oridance and feels that properly supervised discharge of fireworks is the best prevention. Mark Krell, 11826 Eton Drive, represents Grand Terrace Soccer Club, stated that he supports the Fireworks Ordinance. Rob Williams, 12731 Garden Avenue, stated that he supports the Fireworks Ordinance. The funds that will be raised will be an investment in the youth of Grand Terrace, which can only be done with resources. Councilmember Hillce-, stated that there have been some very constructive issues brought up regarding restricting use to 200 feet away from shrubbery and brush, and having a water hose available. He questioned what to do when someone is using illegal fireworks. Councilmember Singlev, responded that they should call 911. Councilmember Hilkey, stated that the pet issue is something that people need to deal with not only on the 4th of July. He questioned whether the fire department has issued any citations. Paul Miller, responded that they have issued citations and they can provide proof. Councilmember Hilkev, asked the Sheriffs Department if they have issued citations. Lt. Howell, responded that within the last two to three years they have not. Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 9 Councilmember Singley, stated that the City Council received letters from concerned residents that oppose the Fireworks Ordinance. He thanked everyone for taking the time to write the letters and assured them that all of the Councilmembers have read them. He thanked Chief Miller for his input. He stated that he supports the Fireworks Ordinance and will try it for one year. He stated that he would like to see the 200 foot set back from brush and grass included in the ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem. Buchanan, stated that if it is the council's pleasure they can act on the Ordinance and adopt it if that is the decision tonight and ask staff to work with the fire department in coming up with an amendment or modification that adequately addresses the brush distancing issue. Councilmember Singley, stated that his concern is the safety issues. Councilmember Garcia, stated that this has been by far the hardest issue that has come before her since she has been a councilmember. She wants to do what is best for the community. Her decision was based on the number of calls that she received from opposing residents. She takes pride in the community and she cares about Grand Terrace and respects its heritage. She respects the elders in the community and she feels that when they give good justification for why something should be the way it is she listens. She stated that she is committed to helping the youth and is sincere when she says she wants to help out and she donated $150.00. She feels that there would be more people that would want to help out. She suggested having a Grand Terrace Youth Task Force that would include local organizations. She stated that she didn't realize that the youth organizations were having financial problems. She expressed her concern with how fast this change took place and feels that change needs to be researched to see if it is what is best for our community. She also stated that cities that allow fireworks are in the minority. She stated that if the Council chooses to adopt this ordinance she will be a supporter and wants the City of Grand Terrace to have the best and safest fireworks to ensure that nothing happens. She does not want to see this issue divide the community. She read a letter that contained fifty-three signatures of Little League Parents Against Grand Terrace Fireworks Fundraiser. She also read an excerpt of a letter that she felt are her sentiments. Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, stated that he has mixed feelings regarding this issue, however, he is willing to try it for one year for the benefit that it may bring on an experimental basis. Both sides have made strong points. He stated that safety related information is available with every sale that is made. Training is available for the organizations that will be selling fireworks and training will also be available to city staff, fire, and law enforcement personnel. They have educational videos that can be put on the community access channel prior to 4th of July. When people purchase the fireworks they are provided bilingual instructions on how to use fireworks safely. He will support the ordinance as it is drafted, however, he agrees with Councilmember Hilkey that it is a good idea to have staff work with the fire department to explore some future modifications to the ordinance prior to the 4th of July with regard to some clear delineation of set back requirement from brush areas. This is going to work or not work based on the responsibility of the parents. He expressed his belief that Grand Terrace has very responsible parents in its community and is willing to put his faith in that. Council Minutes March 27, 1997 Page 10 Councilmember Sin lgleey, stated that he sees benefits on both sides. This is a very serious ordinance and feels that Council takes all of the issues seriously. He expressed his appreciation for all of those who took the time to write letters. He feels that the residents care about this community. Councilmember Hilkev, questioned whether Council can have assurance that hand outs will be given to every customer that they have. Michael O'Connell, responded that they can provide a handout that they will provide with city staff input. Councilmember Hilkev, thanked all of the residents that sent letters and requested that letters be sent to those people. CC-97-30 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, CARRIED 3-1-1-0 (COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA VOTED NO AND MAYOR MATTESON WAS ABSENT), to approve the second reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace, California, Regulating the Sale and Discharge of Fireworks. NEW BUSINESS 8A. Household Hazardous Waste Agreement CC-97-31 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 4-0-1-0 (MAYOR MATTESON WAS ABSENT), to approve the Household Hazardous Waste Agreement between the San Bernardino County Service Area 70 Consolidated Fire District (CSA 70 CFD) and the City of Grand Terrace for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Services. ORDER OF ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tern Buchanan adjourned the City Council Meeting at 8:26 p.m., until the next Regular CRA/City Council Meeting which is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, April 8, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. CITY CLERK of the City of Grand Terrace MAYOR of the City of Grand Terrace