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09/10/1992CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 10, 1992 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 September 10, 1992 at 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Byron Matteson, Mayor Hugh J. Grant, Mayor Pro Tem Gene Carlstrom, Councilmember Ronald Christianson, Councilmember Herman Hilkey, Councilmember Thomas J. Schwab, City Manager Patrizia Materassi, Planning Director Brenda Stanfill, City Clerk John Harper, City Attorney Joe Kicak, City Engineer ABSENT: Randall Anstine, Assistant City Manager Phil Bush, Finance Director The meeting was opened with invocation by Pastor Roger Greenwalt, First Baptist Church of Grand Terrace, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Pro Tem Grant. Mayor Matteson convened City Council meeting at 6:30 P.M. Mayor Matteson reconvened City Council meeting at 6:40 P.M. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Mayor Matteson presented Child Care Services Director, Sandi Ah Sue, Child Care Services Assistant Director, Kathy Varela, and Clerk Typist, Tracey Simmons each with a Five-year Service Award. 2B. Mayor Matteson announced that Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brown of 11984 Paradise Street received the August 1992 Recycling Family of the Month award, adding that the family received gift certificates for The Food Connection, Dominos Pizza, Dimitri's, Verlee's Fancy Pets and Fish, and True Value Hardware. 2C. Mayor Matteson introduced the Superintendent of the Colton Joint Unified School District, Dr. Fischer, who gave a presentation on student performance, vocational education, school personnel, student Council Minutes - 09/10/92 Page 2 safety, school remodeling and building projects, and the District budget. 2D. City Manager Schwab reported that his investigation of the City's emergency communication system revealed that the City can improve its ability to relay information between Councilmembers and Staff during a disaster through the purchase of (5) FM radios and an additional radio antennae. J.R. Taylor, 22843 Vista Grande Way, Grand Terrace; questioned whether the City Manager had contacted the Disaster Preparedness Office and the Sheriff's Department to ascertain whether the proposed equipment purchase is recommended. City Manager Schwab, stated that he had not contacted the County Emergency Operations Center. He explained that the City will coordinate emergency communications through the Center but added that the City's primary goal is to facilitate local communication. CC-92-146 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the appropriation of $5,000 for the purchase of (5) FM radios and an external antennae for emergency communication within the City. CONSENT CALENDAR CC-92-147 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item 3D. A. APPROVE CHECK REGISTER NO. 082792 & 091092 B. RATIFY 09/10/92 CRA ACTION C. WAIVE FULL READING OF ORDINANCES ON AGENDA E. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM GOALS F. APPROVE CITY CLERK'S ATTENDANCE AT SEMINAR - SAN LUIS OBISPO G. CHANGE MEETING TIME FOR CITY COUNCIL/EMERGENCY OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Council Minutes - 09/10/92 Page 3 H. ACCEPT CPOA FOUNDATION GRANT FOR SEAT BELT EDUCATION I. ACCEPT GRANT DEED (LOPEZ) J. AUTHORIZATION TO GO TO BID FOR STREET STRIPING K. 1992/93 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR 3D. APPROVE 7/14/92 & 8/13/92 MINUTES CC-92-148 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, CARRIED 4--0-0-1 (MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT ABSTAINED), to approve the July 14, 1992 and August 13, 1992 City Council Minutes. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sharon Taylor, 12634 Franklin Way, Grand Terrace; voiced concern regarding the appearance of the homes on Warbler and Franklin Way. She stated that a neighbor is operating a car building business out of his garage and added that the cul-de-sac on Franklin Way is often congested with vehicles. She expressed apprehension regarding the fire danger inherent in the situation and indicated that she has had to call the Sheriff's Department on separate occasions regarding excessive noise. She reiterated her stance that the business is unsightly and dangerous, stressing her desire that the City act to resolve the matter. Mayor Matteson, inquired as to the address of the home in question. Sharon Taylor, 12634 Franklin Way, Grand Terrace; responded that the home is located at 12614 Franklin Way. She remarked that the resident at that address is a member of Citizen Patrol and asserted that the individual apparently has access to a scanner since the vehicles in the area are relocated when she notifies the Sheriff's Department. Mayor Matteson, assured Ms. Taylor that the matter would be investigated. City Attorney Harper, requested that Ms. Taylor provide the City with documentation regarding the situation in order to expedite the abatement process. Council Minutes - 09/10/92 Page 4 J.R. Taylor, 22843 Vista Grande Way, Grand Terrace; thanked the City Manager for corresponding with him regarding trees and beautification of the City and suggested that the information be made available to the public. Dick Rollins, 22700 De Berry Street, Grand Terrace; indicated his belief that contractors have been working within the City without business licenses. He expressed chagrin at the number of private individuals who are repairing cars in their garages, adding that the chemicals and solvents used in the process are in violation of the fire code. He recommended that the City regulate resident activities more thoroughly. ORAL REPORTS 5A. Committee Re arts 1. Crime Prevention Committee (a) Minutes of 7/13/92 CC-92-149 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the Crime Prevention Committee Minutes of July 13, 1992. 2. Parks & Recreation Committee (a) Minutes of 6/1/92 CC-92-150 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes of June 1, 1992. 5B. Council Reports Mayor Matteson, announced that he will attend the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Demonstrations which will be held at Big Bear on September 12-13. Mayor Pro Tem Grant, questioned whether the stores that were damaged in the recent fire are to be re- designed to comply with the Specific Plan. City Manager Schwab, reported that the City is negotiating with the owner of the business center, indicating the city's willingness to offer an incentive program to modernize the structure but Council Minutes - 09/10/92 Page 5 adding that the owner has the option to rebuild according to the previous design. He reassured the public, however, that the new structure will be an improvement over the prior building. He revealed further that the City is attempting to induce the owner to replace the signs, redo the facade, and repaint the business center, stating that the City has proposed a 25% subsidy for the improvements. He indicated, nevertheless, that the owner has demonstrated a reluctance to incur the remainder of the cost for the building improvements. Mayor Pro Tem Grant, inquired whether the City Manager has any knowledge of the rumored expansion of the Stater Brother's Market. City Manager Schwab, responded in the negative. Mayor Pro Tem Grant, thanked Councilmember Christianson for the record for the articles regarding Mr. Grant's announcement that he will not seek re-election in November 1992 which Mr. Christianson submitted to the local newspapers. Mayor Matteson, questioned the status of the purchase of the Edison property. City Manager Schwab, replied that he received escrow instructions on September 10, 1992, clarifying that the offer of $410,000 was accepted. He added that escrow will close in ten to twelve days, commenting that the City is processing the bond issue to finance the close of the deal. Councilmember Carlstrom, inquired about the robbery that occurred recently at the Mail Mart. City Manager Schwab, reported that at 9:15 a.m. a black, male adult, armed with a .45 caliber handgun, robbed the Mail Mart, securing $90. He added that the subject escaped westbound on foot but was not apprehended. He commented further that an individual who snatched a woman's purse at Security Pacific National Bank on Barton Road was pursued by a City of Grand Terrace Maintenance worker. The robber was subsequently captured and held by Grand Terrace residents until he was taken into custody by a Sheriff's Deputy. Council Minutes - 09/10/92 Page G Councilmember Carlstrom, expressing pride in the City, commented that crime in the community has decreased by 11% over the past year. Dick Rollins, 22700 De Berry Street, Grand Terrace; recommended that the employee who assisted in the apprehension of the purse snatcher be given a commendation. Commenting that the fire at the business center spread rapidly because there was no fire separation between the ceiling and the roof of the building, inquired whether there was to be such a separation in the attic of the re -built structure. City Engineer Kicak, explaining that the fire code requires a fire wall separation every 3,000 square feet, stated that the separations in the new building will be installed at intervals less than 3000". Dick Rollins, 22700 De Berry Street, Grand Terrace; asked whether any sprinklers will be installed in the structure. City Engineer Kicak, replied in the negative. Councilmember Carlstrom, queried the City Engineer as to whether the remainder of the complex will be brought into compliance with the Code. City Engineer Kicak, responded in the negative, stating that a permit has been secured only for the damaged structures and adding that the fire actually began at a fire wall. He clarified that presently the City cannot require the owner to bring the remaining structures into compliance with the Code. Dick Rollins, 22700 De Berry Street, Grand Terrace; suggested that Council consider adopting any Code amendments that may be submitted by the Engineering Office. Mayor Matteson, declared that the City has a new Code but added that the buildings in question were constructed prior to the incorporation of the City. City Engineer Kicak, remarked that the new Uniform Building Code stipulates that the fire wall separations occur every 3,000 square feet, adding Council Minutes - 09/10/92 Page 7 that the City is enforcing the Code with regard to the modifications of the structure in the business center. Dick Rollins, 22700 De Berry Street, Grand Terrace; mentioning that the owner of Mail Mart indicated that the Planning Commission would not allow the installation of a flag pole at the postal site, voiced his belief that poles less than 27' in height do not require a permit. He asserted his opinion that the flag pole installation should be approved. Mayor Matteson, remarked that the Planning Director is not familiar with the situation and invited the owner of Mail Mart to contact the City regarding the installation of the flag pole. Councilmember Hilkev, proclaimed that November 14, 1992 is the deadline for cities to register for a contest sponsored by USA Today entitled, "Cities Make a Difference" and suggested that Grand Terrace apply to enter the contest. He expressed concern regarding a fire hydrant on Franklin Way that he considers difficult to access. He requested that Staff investigate whether a member of Citizen Patrol has been using a radio inappropriately in the City. He voiced his distress regarding the decline in the number of Grand Terrace students enrolled in Colton High School and expressed concern regarding the number of students who are being bused from Colton into Grand Terrace. Councilmember Christianson, explained that the City currently has an Ordinance which states that political signs shall be posted no sooner than 30 days prior to an election. Remarking that the City Attorney expressed doubt about the constitutionality of enforcing the Ordinance, he encouraged those who have not yet posted political signs to voluntarily refrain from doing so before the 30-day period. He extended thanks to the Sheriff's Department, the Citizen Patrol, and the residents of the community for the decrease in the City's crime rate. Mentioning a favorable article that appeared in a local newspaper regarding the City's budget, he requested that the City Manager clarify whether the City will receive $36,000 less than anticipated from the State due to the State budget cuts. Council Minutes - 09/10/92 Page 8 City Manager Schwab, commented that the figures printed in the local newspaper were understated, explaining that the State's cut in the General Fund Property Tax will be 9%, which will equate to a $100,000 loss to the City. He remarked further that the budget article did not address the Redevelopment Agency cuts which will also have an affect on the City. He stressed, however, that the City will not experience any service level reductions for this fiscal year but declared that, if the State's current fiscal policy continues, the City will not be able to provide services at the present level in the future. Adamantly expressing his opposition to the State's fiscal philosophy, he summarized that the State raids the revenue generated by the cities and then enables the cities to raise taxes to compensate for the difference. Councilmember Christianson, inquired as to when the correct State financial figures will be available. City Manager Schwab, stated that he anticipates that the State Department of Finance will publish more accurate figures by October 1, 1992. He added that he is attempting to acquire a copy of the State's budgetary bill in order to determine the affect the budget will have on the City and the Redevelopment Agency. Councilmember Christianson, questioned the status of the City of Colton Wastewater Treatment Assessment. City Manager Schwab, responded that the City of Colton indicated that the first of a series of sewer rate increases will begin in October, but he remarked that he has seen no evidence of an increase. He expressed the opinion that the increases may be deferred until 1993. Mayor Matteson, remarked that the City's relatively favorable financial position is a direct result of the city's conservative fiscal policy, stating further that the City has been building a financial reserve since 1984. He offered the opinion that State and Federal governments operate at a distance from the people and, therefore, function more autocratically whereas the City is directly accountable to its citizenry. Council Minutes - 09/10/92 Page 9 CLOSED SESSION Mayor Matteson announced that City Council went into Closed Session. City Attorney Harper reported that the purpose of the Closed Session was to discuss potential litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9B. No decisions were made. ORDER OF ADJOURNMENT Mayor Matteson adjourned the City Council Meeting at 8:05 p.m., until the next regular CRA/City Council Meeting, which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 24, 1992. MAYOR of the City[of Grand Terrace L CITY CLERK of the Ci y of Grand Terrace