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10/10/1991CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - OCTOBER 10, 1991 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 October 10, 1991 at 6:00 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/Finance Director Randall Anstine, Assistant City Manager Patrizia Materassi, Planning Director Brenda Stanfill, Deputy City Clerk John Harper, City Attorney Joe Kicak, City Engineer ABSENT: None The meeting was opened with invocation by Norman Willacey, Student, California Baptist College, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Hil key. Mayor Matteson convened City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Matteson reconvened City Council meeting at 6:10 p.m. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Mayor Matteson presented a 5-year service award to Deputy City Clerk Brenda Stanfill. Mayor Matteson read a Proclamation honoring the outgoing 1990-91 Chamber of Commerce President, Ken Facer. Mayor Matteson presented the incoming Chamber of Commerce President, Elsa Ingalls, with a gavel. 2B. Mayor Pro Tem Grant recited a Proclamation which designates October 15, 1991 as "White Cane Safety Day." CONSENT CALENDAR CC-91-149 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the Consent Calendar. Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 2 A. APPROVE CHECK REGISTER NO. 101091 B. RATIFY 10/10/91 CRA ACTION C. WAIVE FULL READING OF ORDINANCES ON AGENDA D. APPROVE 9/26/91 MINUTES E. REJECT LIABILITY CLAIM 91-02 (PADEN) F. SOLICITING PERMIT (GRAND TERRACE POOL SERVICE) G. TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT, ARTICLE 8a FUNDS 1991/92 H. DENY RECYCLING EXEMPTION (MANSOUR) PUBLIC COMMENT Ron Wright, 22914 De Berry, Grand Terrace; announced that the Colton Joint Unified School District will hold the School Board election in November 1991. He identified the incumbents as Wendy Curran of Grand Terrace and Ruth Harris and Phyllis Zimmerman of Bloomington and enumerated the other candidates as Don Alvarez, Grand Terrace; Dwayne Marlet, Grand Terrace; Ed Green, Bloomington; and Maria Lopez -Carson, Bloomington. He commented that the League of Women Voter's will sponsor a televised candidate's forum in the Grand Terrace Council Chambers on October 29, 1991 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and in Bloomington on October 30, 1991 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Commenting that the Planning Commission has no jurisdiction over School District property, he expressed opposition to the construction of a solid wall along the Barton Road border of Grand Terrace Elementary School, explaining that the wall will not mitigate noise but will interfere with surveillance of the playground, thereby creating a law enforcement problem, and will serve as an invitation for graffiti. He suggested that an open structure be used as a barrier rather than the proposed solid, block wall. Mayor Pro Tem Grant, referring to the Barton Road Specific Plan, stated his belief that the City has control over structures built in Grand Terrace. City Manager Schwab, explained that School District property matters are exempt from City regulations. Ma or Pro Tem Grant, expressed concern that the block wall will not on y shield t e view of the playground but will invite graffiti and will be aesthetically unsatisfactory. City Manager Schwab, stated that the School District instigated a lawsuit against the City regarding the Specific Plan but added that the suit was satisfactorily settled out of court with the City's agreement to construct a sound attenuation wall at the elementary school site. Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 3 Mayor Pro Tem Grant, questioned whether the barrier could be more aesthetically structured. City Manager Schwab, commented that the wall will be designed to accommodate the existing trees and will be a tan, slump stone wall. Mayor Matteson, inquired as to whether the City would design and build tewa T . Cit Manager Schwab, responded that the City has completed a preliminary design with the primary emphasis upon the mitigation of sound, adding that the design must be approved by the School Board. Ron Wright, 22914 De Berry, Grand Terrace; expressed his belief that a 7 high block wall will be insufficient to reduce the decibel levels on the playground but will serve to protect the children from vehicles that might inadvertently travel onto the school grounds. Councilmember Hilkey, stated his belief that the wall would not be a solid structure in order to mitigate potential graffiti and law enforcement difficulties. Mayor Matteson, requested that the design be approved by Council prior to review y the School Board, thereby allowing the City the opportunity to address the concerns regarding the aesthetics and safety of the structure of the wall. City Manager Schwab, remarked that the preliminary plans can be presented at the upcoming Council meeting but indicated that concerned parents and citizens should express their thoughts directly to the School Board, stressing that the City has a legal obligation to accept the School Board's final decision. John R. Taylor, 22843 Vista Grande Way, Grand Terrace; indicated his concurrence with the safety concerns expressed by Council and Staff regarding the structure of the wall. ORAL REPORTS 5A. Committee Reports 1. Historical & Cultural Committee (a) Minutes of 9/3/91 CC-91-150 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the Historical & Cultural Committee Minutes of September 3, 1991. 5B. Council Reports L. Mayor Matteson, announced that Elecia Engleman, a senior at Colton High School and the daughter of Karen Knopsnyder and Pete Peterson of Grand Terrace, was named as one of the nation's 15,000 Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 4 semi-finalists in the 1992 National Merit Scholarship program based upon her Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test score from the previous year. He added that the finalists represent 1/2 of 1% of each State's senior high school students. He commented further that 4th grade students at Rogers and Terrace View Elementary Schools will participate in a math and reading test which will be held on February 12-13, 1992, adding that their scores will be compared with test takers nationwide. He also announced that the staff of the PeRper Bough, Colton High School's student newspaper, received the 1990-91 George H. Gallup Award from the Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists. Revealing that only two or three schools per state receive the award, he congratulated the Pepper Bough staff. Councilmember Christianson, stated that he recently met with Dr. Fischer, the Superintendent of the Colton Joint Unified School District, and commented that Dr. Fischer plans to guide him on a tour of Colton High School on October 11, 1991. He expressed satisfaction with Dr. Fischer's receptive attitude and remarked that the Grand Opening of the Grand Terrace Child Care Center on October 4, 1991 was a success, adding that the event was attended by Assemblyman Paul Woodruff. He indicated that he attended the Chamber of Commerce retreat on Saturday, October 5, 1991 and expressed satisfaction with the Chamber's plans for the upcoming year. He remarked that many new businesses will be opening soon on Barton Road and encouraged the citizens to support those businesses. He announced that he assisted with the Tour de Terrace, which was held on Sunday, October 6, 1991, and added that this year's Tour had the second highest attendance for that event. He mentioned further that he attended the Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner, which was held on Wednesday, October 9, 1991. Councilmember Carlstrom, noted that he also attended the same functions as Councilmember Christianson and complimented the incoming and outgoing leaders of the Chamber. He indicated anticipation regarding the upcoming year and revealed satisfaction with the progression of the development of the Town & Country center. He voiced his concern regarding the proposed block wall at the school but expressed optimism about the eventual outcome of the situation. Councilmember Hilkey, congratulated the City's Recreation Department for their efforts in developing the new Child Care Center and complimented the City Manager's handling of the dedication ceremony for the new Center. He expressed concern about the Mayor's apparent promotion of the new Superintendent of the Colton School District, indicating that the parents need a logical rather than a personal view of the school district issue. He related that the Mayor obtained information about the achievements of students in the district from a commentary which is published by the School District. He speculated that the Advanced Placement classes were improved and increased solely due to pressure from Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 5 citizens. He remarked further that an article from the same publication printed by the School District about Grand Terrace's proposed split from the Colton School District was primarily a rebuttal to the proposal rather than news. He voiced his opinion that the Mayor has been reciting information from a biased publication and stressed that Council should focus upon the desires of the City rather than the character of the new Superintendent. Mayor Matteson, expressing his satisfaction with Dr. Fischer, responded that the new Superintendent has promised to rectify the problems which the parents have brought before the School District. He proclaimed that he did not recite propaganda but rather the facts regarding local students. He declared his satisfaction that the Colton Joint Unified School District responded to pressure from the parents and stated his belief that both sides of the school district issue are concerned about providing the best for the children, adding that only the viewpoints differ. Mayor Pro Tem Grant, concurred that the Chamber presented an excellent Retreat and expressed positive feelings about the upcoming year. He indicated satisfaction with the Grand Opening of the new Child Care Center and proclaimed his delight that the Center was dedicated to former City Manager Seth Armstead. Rod Lambert, Chamber of Commerce; thanked Council and Staff for their support and attendance at the Chamber of Commerce Planning Sessions. PUBLIC HEARING - 6:00 P.M. 6A. Source Reduction and Recycling Element Mayor Matteson opened discussion to the public, there being none, he returned discussion to Council. CC-91-151 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTIANSON, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the preliminary draft of the Source Reduction and Recycling Element in accordance with the requirements of Assembly Bill 939. 6B. Renewal of CUP-90-06 (K & M Accessories) Mayor Matteson opened discussion to the Public. Fran Van Gelder, 11975 Mt. Vernon, Grand Terrace; spoke in favor of renewing the Conditional Use Permit but objected to the noise coming from the track and suggested that the track be re -located. Kurt Norris, 1251 S. Meadowlane, Colton; indicated support for the renewal of the required permit. Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 6 Mayor Matteson, spoke on behalf of resident Susan Howard, who expressed opposition to the renewal of the CUP, and read a letter from Don Smith, 12029 Mt. Vernon, Grand Terrace, which indicates objection to the noise produced at the track but supports the extension of the permit. Debra Mueller, 22608 La Paix, Grand Terrace; expressed support for the renewal of the permit and suggested that the hours of operation be extended. Mike Trahan, 22583 Barton Road, Grand Terrace; spoke in favor of renewing the Conditional Use Permit. Elizabeth Norris, 1251 S. Meadowlane, Colton; indicated support for renewal of the permit and recommended that the number of persons allowed on the site be increased. Quentin Smith, 22474 A Barton Road, Grand Terrace; expressed approval for the renewal of the permit and requested that the hours of operation be increased. Mike Blake, Applicant, 22474 A Barton Road, Grand Terrace; voiced his desire for the renewal of the CUP but expressed objection to the limitation of the number of persons allowed at the track; to the requirement that the operation of the track be subject to citizen complaints; to the allowable hours of operation; and to the forfeiture of the right to challenge the conditions of the CUP. Mayor Matteson returned discussion to Council. CC-91-152 MOTION BY MAYOR MATTESON, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the renewal of CUP-90-06 with the following conditions: 1. All conditions as recommended by the Forestry and Fire Warden Department in their memorandum dated July 19, 1990. 2. Occupancy of the race track facility shall be limited to 100 persons within the fenced area of the site. 3. Existing speaker system will be allowed to remain on the project site provided that: a. Sound meets City Noise Ordinance, Chapter 8.108 of the Municipal Code and provided that the public address system ceases operation at 10:00 p.m. 4. Hours of operation shall be limited to the following: Fridays 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 7 5. When track is not in operation, access shall be secured and locked. 6. The proposed project shall be maintained in accordance with City Council approval of October 10, 1991. Minor changes to the site layout, equipment and/or alterations shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department. 7. All aspects of the proposed project including landscaping, irrigation systems, building maintenance and operations shall be maintained in a clean and functional manner and operated in accordance with this approval and the overall goals and objectives of the City of Grand Terrace. 8. Applicant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the City harmless from any and all liability arising out of the operation conducted pursuant to this approval save and except liability caused by the City's sole negligence. 9. Re-evaluation of Conditional Use Permit is required within one (1) year through a public hearing process, provided no complaints are filed. Conditional Use Permit shall be subject to review anytime during the year upon receipt of citizen complaints. 10. By accepting the benefits of this permit, the permittee waives the right to challenge any conditions set forth herein. NEW BUSINESS 8A. Request from Grand Terrace School Site Council for Crossing Guard Cheryl Hodges, 21815 Vivienda Ave., Grand Terrace; aired her request for the marking of additional crosswalks in the vicinity of Grand Terrace Elementary School. Donna Jones, 22316 Grand Terrace Rd., Grand Terrace; expressed her interest in the safety of the children, indicating that the signs in the area need to be updated and adding that only one speed limit sign referring to the presence of children exists on Barton Road. City Manager Schwab, stated that he was addressing the official request made by the Grand Terrace School Site Council for a crossing guard on Vivienda and remarked that the Site Council indicated that only one crosswalk should be located on Vivienda. He offered to return to the Site Council to present the request for additional crosswalks on behalf of Ms. Jones and Ms. Hodges. He suggested that the separate proposals of the citizens and the Site Council be combined to determine the best course of action regarding the streets in the vicinity of the elementary school. He agreed with the need for additional signage in the area in question Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 8 and referred to his recommendation to Council for an appropriation for the necessary signage. Mayor Matteson, remarked that the concerns expressed by Ms. Jones and Ms. Hodges would be addressed following an investigation and report by the City Engineer regarding the issue, indicating that the crossing guard, signage, and crosswalk issues would be dealt with simultaneously. Ron Wright, 22914 De Berry, Grand Terrace; suggested that Council review and act upon funding for the crossing guard at the current meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Grant, concurred that action should be taken regarding the crossing guard position. Sharon Rossi, Grand Terrace School Site Council; clarified that a crossing guard is needed at the Vivienda site both before and after school. Councilmember Carlstrom, recommended that the existing crosswalks be painted for higher visibility. James Jones, 22316 Grand Terrace Rd., Grand Terrace; expressed apprehension regarding the safety of his children as they cross the street when they exit Grand Terrace Elementary School. He stated his belief that a $600 appropriation would be insufficient to provide for the proper signage at that site. Theda McGee, Principal, Grand Terrace Elementary School; indicated that she e ieves a crosswalk did exist previously at the corner of Barton Road and Vivienda. She added that currently children may cross the street directly in front of the school or across the street from Kiddie Karousel, stating that the crosswalk in the vicinity of Kiddie Karousel is the only marked crosswalk from the school. She expressed opposition to the installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Vivienda and Barton Road and remarked that the crossing guard should be positioned at the marked crosswalk in front of the school. Mayor Matteson, questioned whether placing a marked crosswalk at McClarren would encourage children to cross there rather than at the location of the crossing guard. Theda McGee, Principal, Grand Terrace Elementary School; responded affirmatively to the Mayor, indicating that there are no other marked crosswalks where the children can safely cross when the crossing guard is off -duty. Mayor Matteson, questioned the area of origination of the children who walk to school. Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 9 Theda McGee, Principal, Grand Terrace Elementary School; responded that the children originate from housing north of Barton Road and west of Mt. Vernon. Mayor Matteson, questioned whether the crosswalk and the crossing guard should be located at the McClarren crossing. Theda McGee, Principal, Grand Terrace Elementary School; commented that the City Engineer's report would answer the query as to the best location for the crosswalk and the crossing guard. Councilmember Christianson, questioned the disparity between the Schoo Site Counci s recommendation and the proposal presented by the parents. Theda McGee, Principal, Grand Terrace Elementary School; indicated that the School District recommended that the School Site Council address the issue, stating that following discussion with parents, the School Site Council, with the support of the board members of the PTA, made the decision to contact the City Manager. She clarified that Ms. Jones and Ms. Hodges were not involved with the Site Council at the time the decision was formalized to contact the City for a crossing guard. i James Jones, 22316 Grand Terrace Road, Grand Terrace; expressed his opinion that the marked crosswalk is a safe crossing for children who cross toward Kiddie Karousel but stated that other areas in the vicinity are crossed by children and should have marked crosswalks. Councilmember Christianson, inquired as to the location of sidewalks along the streets in question. City Engineer Kicak, indicated that sidewalk locations would be determined before any recommendations for crosswalks were presented. Councilmember Hilkey, warned that crossing zones do not necessarily increase safety an added that well -lit signs and warning lights are also important for safety. He offered support for immediate action on the placing of the crossing guard on Vivienda. CC-91-153 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, CARRIED 5-0, to approve an appropriation in the amount of $1200 for the hiring of a crossing guard to police the Vivienda Avenue crosswalk daily for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon and to postpone action on the installation of signage and crosswalks in the vicinity of Grand Terrace Elementary School to allow time for sufficient study of the issue. Council Minutes - 10/10/91 Page 10 ORDER OF ADJOURNMENT Mayor Matteson adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:05 p.m., until the next regular CRA/City Council meeting, which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 24, 1991. Deputy City Clerk of Oe City of Grand Terrace MAYO f the City of rand Terrace