09/14/1995CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
CITY COUNCH, MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 14, 1995
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 14, 1995 at 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Byron R. Matteson, Mayor
Gene Carlstrom, Mayor Pro Tem
Herman Hilkey, Councilmember
Jim Singley, Councilmember
Dan Buchanan, Councilmember
Thomas J. Schwab, City Manager
John Donlevy, Assistant City Manager
Brenda Stanfill, City Clerk
Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director
Bernard Simon, Finance Director
Lt. Kyritsis, Sheriff's Department
Jim Winkler, Law Offices of Harper & Burns
ABSENT: Virgil Barham, Director of Building and Safety
The meeting was opened with invocation by Pastor Salim Elias, Azure Hills Seventh-Day
Adventist Church of Grand Terrace, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Richard
Chilton.
Mayor Matteson convened City Council meeting at 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Matteson reconvened City Council meeting at 6:20 P.M.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2A. Presentation to Richard Chilton
Mayor Matteson presented Richard Chilton with a plaque for six years of
outstanding service as District Manager for Loma Linda Disposal September 1989
- August 1995.
Richard Chilton, thanked the Council and staff and citizens of Grand Terrace.
2B. Commendation - Eagle Scout David Featherstone
Mayor Matteson read and presented Eagle Scout David Featherstone with a
commendation for earning the highest rank obtainable in the Boy Scouts of
America.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 2
CC-95-118 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCHANAN, SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the Consent
Calendar.
A. Approve Check Register No. 091495
B. Ratify 09/ 14/95 CRA Action
C. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
D. Approve 08/24/95 Minutes
E. Resolution supporting the League of California Cities' Resolution
on sales tax redistribution to increase the amount received by cities
to 2 %
PUBLIC CONEMENT
Dick Rollins, 22797 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, commented on the article on the
financial status of the City in the latest edition of "Terrace View". He also reported that
there are many things that need to be repaired at Terrace Hills Community Park.
ORAL REPORTS
5A. Committee Reports
1. Emergency Operations Committee
(a) Accept Committee Member Resignation/Appoint Regular Member
CC-95-119 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER BUCHANAN, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the resignation of
Emergency Operations Committee Member Frank Wilson and appoint Michelle
Devoux as a regular member.
5B. Council Reports
Mayor Pro Tem Carlstrom, reported that he attended the League of California
Cities Inland Empire League Division meeting in Norco. The split of the
Division was voted on and there is now the Riverside County Division and the
Inland Empire Division. This division still. needs to be ratified by the California
League of Cities in October.
Councilmember Buchanan, reminded everyone that Tour de Terrace will be held
on October 1, 1995.
Councilmember Sinaley, reported that there is some concern that with the
availability of surplus equipment companies are losing business from
municipalities. There is a House of Representative Bill pending which would not
allow municipalities to purchase surplus equipment.
Councilmember Hilkev, thanked Dick Rollins for all of the hard work he does
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 3
throughout the City. He reported that there will be an election probably in March
to vote on a Grand Terrace Unified School District
PUBLIC HEARING
6A. An Ordinance Adopting Amendment. Z-95-03. and Associated Ne ag true
Declaration, E-95-07, for Amendment to the Municipal Code, Chapter 5.06,
Home Occupation Permit Procedures and Criteria
CC-95-120 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCHANAN, SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, CARRIED 5-0, to continue the first reading of
an Ordinance Adopting Amendment, Z-95-03, and Associated Negative
Declaration, E-95-07, for Amendment to the Municipal Code, Chapter 5.06,
Home Occupation Permit Procedures and Criteria until the City Council meeting
scheduled for October 12, 1995.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7A. Second Reading of an Ordinance Adontina Zonine Amendment. Z-95-02. and
Associated Negative Declaration, E-95-04, to Expedite Review Procedures for
Structures Damaged by Fire, Earthquake and other Natural Disasters, and Policy
Revision on screening Mechanical Equipment in the Residential Commercial and
Industrial Districts: Chapters 18.63 and 18.76.
CC-95-121 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER BUCHANAN, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt the Second Reading
of an Ordinance Adopting Zoning Amendment, Z-95-02, and Associated Negative
Declaration, E-95-04, to Expedite Review Procedures for Structures Damaged by
Fire, Earthquake and other Natural Disasters, and Policy Revision on screening
Mechanical Equipment in the Residential Commercial and Industrial Districts;
Chapters 18.63 and 18.76.
7B. Second Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Amendment to the Contract
Between the City Council and the Board of Administration of the California
Public Employees' Retirement System
CC-95-122 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCHANAN, SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the Second Reading
of an Ordinance Authorizing the Amendment to the Contract Between the City
Council and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees'
Retirement System
NEW BUSINESS
8A. Consider Reducing Planning Commission Membership from 7 members to 5
CC-95-123 MOTION BY MAYOR MATTESON, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 4
CARLSTROM, CARRIED 5-0, to leave the Planning Commission membership
at 7 members
8B. Statement of Investment Policy for the City of Grand Terrace
Mayor Matteson, stated that the Investment Policy for the City of Grand Terrace will be
reviewed by staff and will brought back to Council
8C. General Plan Task Force Progress Report
Community Development Director Materassi, brought the Council up-to-date on what the
General Plan Task Force has been doing since formed and where they are now. She
introduced four of the task force members, Mary Trainer, Le Ann Garcia, Jo Ann
Johnson, and Phyliss Sternberg who will be giving an overview of the major changes or
additions proposed to the seven elements of the General Plan. She stated that the task
force has learned the City General Plan is the City blue print or constitution, the top
hierarchy document to guide staff and City Council decision making; the General Plan
makes sense if it reflects the values and goals of the community; that an outreach
program to involve the public at large be developed; that the Task Force and Staff are
excited to be able to "dream" and to develop an action driven document which is feasible
and can make the city reach its goals; that the General Plan amendment is being done in
house, as case load permits, thus she needs all the help from citizens and Council that
she can get.
General Plan Task Force Member Mary Trainer, 11897 Kingston Street, Grand Terrace,
reported on the General Guiding Principles, Housing Element and the Land Use Element.
General Guiding Principles
1. Strive for excellence in education.
2. Create a full -service community (retail, offices and light industrial) with emphasis
on neighborhood -oriented services. Should provide jobs for 1/3 of the residents.
3. Maintain emphasis on safety. Low crime city.
4. Give priority to family needs and children. Promote places to learn, recreate and
relax.
5. Develop multi -modal circulation system with emphasis on pedestrian.
6. Create and enhance City identity.
7. Protect and enhance residential neighborhoods, emphasizing maintenance of
housing stock.
8. Maintain and enhance low density and village atmosphere.
9. Ensure economic feasibility and pursue grant funding.
10. Create a garden city that promotes a comfortable, relaxed and friendly
atmosphere.
Housing Element:
Provide Housing for a traditional balanced community, with more availability for large
families, seniors and housing with modern features for first-time homebuyers.
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 5
Collect, develop own data to prove that we are meeting City's housing needs and be able
to certify our own element. Include a sociological statement into the Housing Element
that reflects the current condition of the community and its characteristics which
minimize demand to support low and very low cost housing (i.e. geographic location,
nature of work force, no heavy industrial employers, etc.)
Emphasize code enforcement to protect and enhance existing stock. Promote housing
beautification through annual or semi-annual residential awards program.
Reach a housing jobs balance within 20 years. The objective here is to strengthen our
community by having more people working in Grand Terrace, shopping and surveilling
our streets during the day, while not necessarily stop being a "dormitory city".
Introduce concept of commercial/residential mixed use areas.
Note: Current Housing Element data is obsolete. New data collection and determination
of our share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is to be
developed by Housing Consultant, using computer technology.
Land Use Element
Develop a "phase 2" Barton Road Specific Plan
An implementation tool based on updated marketing analysis, contact with business
community and specific master planning for long narrow lots, possibly incorporate option
for smaller lots besides lot consolidation. Plan to incorporate a public plaza area and
possible mixed use commercial/residential concept. Principles of Barton Road Specific
Plan to be emphasized and implemented -that is to create a feasible village commercial
and pedestrian -oriented downtown for Grand Terrace.
Incorporate "Land Use Strategies for more livable cities" wherever possible. That is to
locate as many activities as possible within walking distance and/or accessable to multi -
modal access points to discourage emphasis of car on daily basis.
Emphasize commercial uses which are neighborhood -oriented community -oriented
services first; then services of sub -regional or regional nature.
Develop zoning tools for development of industrial area, i.e. Industrial Business Park
Specific Plan, Transitional Multi -Family or other zoning buffer area, better circulation
and access.
Identify land for family recreational purposes.
No other proposals for site specific or area re -zoning at this time, with exception of
Specific Plan to discourage development of Blue Mountain.
General Plan Task Force Member Lee Ann Garcia,22997 Jenson Court, Grand Terrace
reported on the Open Space Element and Urban Design Element. She placed emphasis
on landscaping and streetscape improvements and indicated that she would like to see
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 6
more trees placed throughout the City.
Open Snace Element (Recreational Aesthetic and Cultural Resources
Need to create a cultural (arts, entertainment and historical) identity for the City and a
place to celebrate it. Dig back into our heritage, when silent movie stars met in Grand
Terrace; when Honey Hills was a honey producing farm. Search for a symbol to identify
Grand Terrace (i.e. a bee hive or Blue Mountain). This image and symbol to be
marketed, enhanced and preserved by developing a specific area for cultural arts and
exhibits, movies and entertainment -an eventful public space/a downtown mini -park.
Preserve and enhance aesthetic scene entries with streetscape along all major corridors,
including the freeway. Carry sign City symbol/logo or theme throughout the City.
These efforts to be carried out in the City in conjunction with the community groups and
the private sector.
Feasibility study for a gymnasium and incorporation of Blue Mountain private trails into
City right of way.
(This element needs focus and cross-reference with the current General Plan and the Park
and Recreation Element.)
Urban Design Element
This element is an optional one. It is all new material and its major purpose is to
perpetuate the Urban Design Principles of the Barton Road Specific Plan to create a
village town in scale, character and pedestrian atmosphere. The Specific Plan could
eventually be revised or rejected but these design guidelines will always stay in the
General Plan to help create a pedestrian village atmosphere in our town. Some of the
new issues are that 1) it proposes interior streets along Barton Road narrow and along
lots to facilitate pedestrian circulation rather than rely solely on Barton Road, which is
a major arterial; 2) City to consider purchasing one of the long, narrow lots to build a
public plaza to be surrounded by commercial uses and possibly some type of residential
in the back; 3) Special procedures to be developed to protect large/mature trees and
flowers and to encourage the planting of them along Barton Road; 4) Create a cafeteria
style point system to encourage developers to provide arts and other amenities in the
Barton Road Specific Plan; 5) Create, through community efforts and public/private
efforts, more places for public gatherings and socializing.
General Plan Task Force Member JoAnn Johnson, reported on the Infrastructure
Element.
Infrastructure Element
Integrate Grand Terrace into Regional picture in terms of evaluating impacts of adjacent
cities development; impacts of the I-215 improvements and impacts of Pigeon Pass Road
possible widening with consequent traffic increases into Grand Terrace. (The use of
Regional and Sub -regional computer models will be required to perform this evaluation.)
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 7
Increase of Regional and Sub -regional traffic through Grand Terrace is to be dispersed
through our major arterials to the freeway without increase of speed on our road and not
to disrupt residential neighborhoods.
Proposal for a new freeway access at Iowa to be re-evaluated, and lobbying efforts be
recognized. In case not feasible in the short run, along with the construction of
Commerce Way, consider transforming Michigan into a major business park/industrial
access road. Our Industrial Business Park needs infrastructure to be possible.
Improvement of several intersections and links within the City, including but not
restricted to widening Barton Road Bridge, Michigan and Barton intersection, Barton
Road ingress and egress into Bank of America, Barton and La Cadena, and Barton Road
and Palm area, etc. Several actions were proposed. In case of Barton/Michigan
intersection, an offramp connecting directly onto Commerce Way is being considered.
None of the circulation improvements proposed are to increase speeds but to alleviate
congestion and increase safety, keeping service levels (LOS) at C.
Many actions added to implement a multi -model transportation system, from pursuing
funding for bike trails, transit stations, installation of Dial -A -Ride service for all citizens
to continue support for community shuttle and means of connecting residents with other
Sub -regional Transportation Systems.
Develop studies and cooperative agreements with adjacent jurisdictions on vital
thoroughfares such as Mt. Vernon, La Cadena, etc.
Pursue transportation funding and develop Traffic Impact Fee to help pay for needed
improvements.
General Plan Task Force Member Phyliss Sternberg, 12161 Dos Rios, Grand Terrace,
reported on Air Quality and the Safety Element. She placed emphasis on child safety and
pedestrian and bike trails throughout the City.
Safety Element
Emphasis on maintain low crime city -a place for families and a friendly atmosphere.
Consistency with crime prevention program is strongly recommended, with emphasis on
Neighborhood Watch Program and educational outreach programs to residential and
business community.
Several "manmade" hazards were of concern to the Task Force going back into
circulation, traffic, maintenance of roads including stabilization of Mt. Vernon hillside,
and the creation of a safety plan for school children. The plan to include identification,
together with the Grand Terrace schools, of street improvements to be done such as street
widening, continuous sidewalks, crosswalks, etc... to ensure school children safety in
Grand Terrace.
Development of a drainage Master Plan consistent with National Standards of NPDES.
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 8
Ensure consistency of City Emergency Plan for fire, earthquake and other natural
disasters. Distribution of pamphlets to Grand Terrace residents telling them who to call
and where to go in case of emergencies.
Air Quality
All new material -originally developed in conjunction with all other cities in the County.
It follows County Air Quality format. We had no comments from General Plan Task
Force or Planning commission on this element besides their overall support.
Implementation actions will need to be developed and incorporated into element to
complete the process. The City has adopted a trip reduction ordinance which is available
for your review. Larry Mainez, our Planning Technician, works under SCAQMD
AB2766 funds and is responsible to put together this element for the review and approval
of the Task Force and Planning Commission.
Mayor Matteson, responded on bike and jogging trails, he expressed his concern with
money being spent on things that are likely to fail. He would like citizen input on the
items proposed to see what the community needs and wants are. He commented on the
Land Use Element, and referred to the Barton Road Specific Plan, he stated that he
receives complaints from commercial businesses in regards to land use and feels that the
issues should be looked at frequently. He stated that he feels the City should receive
input from business as well as residents on the various land uses desired in Grand
Terrace. He feels that the Barton Road Commercial area should be looked at and receive
suggestions for the different types of businesses that the citizens would like in the City.
Councilmember Buchanan, commented on Land Use, Housing and Infrastructure. He
expressed his concern with the General Guiding Principles with the contradiction between
item number five and item number 8 which refer to developing a multi -modal
transportation system while keeping a low density atmosphere. He doesn't feel that a
multi -modal transportation system will ever work in the City of Grand Terrace unless a
fundamental change takes place in terms of residential and/or commercial densities. He
expressed his concern with incorporating livable city concepts without a realistic
evaluation of local circumstances. He expressed his concern with having concepts that
are not compatible with each other.
Mayor Matteson, commented on the Village Concept with pedestrians walking from place
to place to shop, and feels that people are use to driving to do their shopping and will
probably continue to do so.
Councilmember Singley, stated that he likes the idea of the Village Concept. He stated
that the City Council has prepared that area for the property owners to develop along
with the Village Concept in the Barton Road Specific Plan. He feels, however, that the
village concept by itself isn't working for Grand Terrace and something needs to be done
in order to make the City viable.
Mayor Matteson, stated that if the village concept was organized and laid out in large
scale and set the architectural guidelines everything would go together like a puzzle. He
stated that people in Grand Terrace do not shop in Grand Terrace, something needs to
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 9
be done to get the residents to shop in Grand Terrace.
Mayor Pro Tem Carsltrom, stated that he feels that the biggest problem with the Barton
Road Specific Plan is that it encompasses what is not pertinent to the development of
Barton Road. He feels that Barton Road will never be developed commercially only and
part of the lots on Barton Road should maybe be split in half and turned into residential
areas which will be easier to market.
General Plan Task Force Member Phyliss Sternberg, stated that one of the complaints
that she has is that there is no money so big developers don't want to come to small
areas. They want to go where the other big developers are going. Only the little
businesses are going to come to Grand Terrace because commercial loans are hard to get.
You are lucky if you can get 50 % of your loan at a high interest. Cities need to look
at ways to make the City appealing without the big developers. She referred to the idea
of having a big park in the middle of Barton Road that everyone could benefit from.
Also included would be smaller parcels that businesses could be built on and a public
gathering place for children and seniors. All businesses would be related to children to
serve all children's needs such as doctors, toys, restaurants, etc. Commercial facing
Barton Road and the Park and Senior housing in the back. Senior housing that can be
purchased by seniors themselves. She suggested that they think about what is in town
how much money could be brought in and invested into those smaller parcels by people
like her and others in the community.
Councilmember Singlev, requested that the Task Force get together and put all of these
ideas together and revise the Barton Road Specific Plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Carlstrom, stated that the City has implemented many things, and that
Senior Housing is a very important issue. He feels that Senior Housing would be a real
benefit to our community. He expressed his concern with some of the run down houses
in the area that don't qualify to be purchased by the Community Redevelopment Agency
and feels that there should be a program that could help to bring these homes back up
to par to keep the property values up.
Councilmember HiIkev, stated that the split of the 600 foot lots would be something to
look into.
Councilmember Singlev, stated that the Safety Element only addresses geographic
concerns and very little in fire protection and law enforcenment and suggested that the
task force get with the Sheriff's Department and California Department of Forestry and
development some plans to provide for adequate public safety for the future of the City.
Councilmember Buchanan, reported on Infrastructure stating again that we should set a
meaningful goal and avoid diverging issues. He stated that transportation issues are no
longer local issues, they are regional issues. He expressed his concern in puting alot of
emphasis on an element that can't and won't be achieved. He stated that he would like
to see a very realistic look be taken at alternative transportation issues. Bicycle and
Pedestrian circulation need to be looked at and realisticly it has to be focused on
particular areas, for example, some areas of our City are too steep for bicycles. Public
Council Minutes 09/14/95
Page 10
transportation needs to be looked at as to what the community will utilize. He questioned
why electrical, water and sewer is not addressed in the elements.
Community Development Director Materassi, stated that they have not focused on those
aspects of the infrastructure element yet.
Community Development Director Materassi, requested that council give her any other
concerns or comments on these General Plan Elements in writing or call her.
CLOSED SESSION
9A. Potential Litigation - Olson
Mayor Matteson announced that Council met in closed session to discuss potential
litigation. It was the concensus of the Council to reject the claim filed on behalf of
Danielle Olson.
ORDER OF ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Matteson adjourned the City Council Meeting at 8:15 p.m., until the next Regular
CRA/City Council Meeting which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 28, 1995.
CITY CLERK of the ity of Grand
Terrace