Loading...
07/10/1986CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - JULY 10, 1986 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 July 10, 1986, at 5:33 p.m. PRESENT: Hugh J. Grant, Mayor Byron Matteson, Mayor Pro Tempore Tony Petta, Councilman Barbara Pfennighausen, Councilwoman Dennis L. Evans, Councilman Seth Armstead, City Manager Ivan Hopkins, City Attorney Joe Kicak, City Engineer Ilene Dughman, City Clerk ABSENT: None The meeting was opened with invocation by Councilman Petta, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Councilwoman Pfennighausen. City Manager Armstead related the School Impaction Fee Waiver issue for the 88-Unit Senior Citizen Hotel would be deferred until next meeting (July 31) to enable review by the Colton Joint Unified School District's Board at its meeting this date. CONSENT CALENDAR The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion: 2D - Minutes of 6/26/86; 2H - Award of Annual Street Sweeping Contract (GTC 86-10); 2I - Award of Annual Landscape Maintenance Contract (GTC 86-11); 2J - RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE FY 1986-87 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT. CC-86-193 Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Matteson, Second by Councilman Petta, ALL AYES, to approve the following Consent Calendar items: A. Approve Check Register Nos. 063086 and 071086; B. Ratify 7/10/86 CRA Action; C. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda; E. Authorize $25.00 Expenditure from Line Item No. 10-110-220, Council Special Departmental Expense, for 1/2-Page Ad in Grand Terrace Woman's Club 1986-87 Yearbook; F. Accept Check in Amount of $40,000 and Authorize Mayor to Execute Agreements for Public Improvements of Sister's of St. Benedict Project; Council Minutes - 7/10/86 Page 2 - G. Authorize Closure of Hampton Court off Observation Drive, 7/13/86, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for Block Party; APPROVAL OF 6/26/86 MINUTES Due to Councilwoman Pfennighausen's request for changes, approval was deferred to the next meeting to allow the City Clerk to review and make necessary corrections. CONTRACTS - ANNUAL STREET SWEEPING CONTRACT (GTC 86-10) AND ANNUAL LANDSCAPE A N ENANCE CONTRACT (GTC - Mayor Pro Tem Matteson voiced concern with low number of bidders, with Councilman Petta concurring; emphasized importance of competitive bidding. Community Services Director Ansti ne felt lack of response due to rigid specifications and lack of adequate manpower. Councilwoman Pfennighausen felt staff had expended all efforts to solicit bids and, therefore, favored approval. CC-86-194 Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Matteson, Second by Councilman Petta, to award and authorize Mayor to execute the Annual Street Sweeping Contract (GTC 86-10) with Dickson Company of the Inland Empire in the amount of $57.16 per hour and the Annual Landscape Maintenance Contract (GTC 86-11) with Terrace Landscape Services in the amount of $16,800.00. CC-86-195 Mayor Pro Tem Matteson strongly recommended, in the future, additional bids be solicited if less than three received. Motion No. CC-86-194 carried, ALL AYES. RESOLUTION NO. 86-36 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRANDA ORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE FY 1986-87 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XIII-B OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE 7910. Following clarification, Motion by Councilman Evans, Second by Councilwoman Pfennighausen, ALL AYES, to adopt Resolution No. 86-36. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Linda Mangus, 12070 Arl i ss Drive, felt Anthony's X-tra Market should be cited for overgrown weeds and trash accumulation. Mayor Grant expressed concurrence, emphasizing importance of resolving problem and keeping City clean. Community Services Director Ansti ne related on numerous occasions staff has removed rubbish from areas in question, as well as citing both Viking Properties and Anthony's. Responding to Councilman Petta's suggestion that staff be instructed to submit recommendations to remedy the problem, Mayor Grant voiced no objections; however, felt staff can only follow through with enforcement of Ordinance and find a better, more sophisticated way of approaching and negotiating with violators. Council Minutes - 7/10/86 Page 3 - CC-86-196 Motion by Councilman Petta, Second by Councilwoman Pfennighausen, ALL AYES, to instruct staff to look into the matter and come to Council with a recommendation for resolving the problem. Renee Mendes, 12135 Michigan, questioned what can be done regarding litter and weeds on Commerce Way, off Michigan; has contacted Community Services Director Anstine, but felt no action was taken. Mayor Grant stated the litter situation appears to be a complex problem in the Community Services Department; felt it is the City's responsibility to keep the community clean; therefore, concurred with Councilman Petta that the administration must provide recommendations to resolve the problem. Responding to Ms. Mandez' complaint that Commerce Way is never swept, Mr. Anstine felt that street is included in Contract; however, noted the sweeper is not designed to pick up fast-food debris. RIVERSIDE HIGHLAND WATER RATE INCREASE REPORT Finance Director Schwab outlined the Riverside Highland Water Rate Increase Report, dated July 1986 (on file in City Clerk's department). Gene Mc Means, Manager of Riverside Highland Water Company, relative to Report's recommendation to generate funds through the Clean Water Bond Act of 1984, advised those funds were not available during initiation of their improvement plan. Noted necessary guidelines and regulations should be established January 1, 1987, at which time the Water Company plans to apply. Regarding other long-range financing, tax free bonds have been explored - not aware at this time whether they qualify; noted seven-year program is the major thrust but an improvement program will be ongoing. Noted 25-year financing would amount to almost the same when taking into consideration both principal and interest. Felt the Clean Water Bond Act appears to be a good alternative; however, the Company is still investigating other funding sources to secure the best. Responding to Councilwoman Pfennighausen's interest in the DeBerry project to the west and the east, outlined proposed improvements, which will be coordinated with City staff. Councilman Evans questioned sources of funding; noted, at the last meeting, Councilman Petta clarified the rate increase is for operations and funds for the improvements would be generated from sale of assets; also noted a news article stating the increase is for improvements and operations; noted Report did not mention utilizing interest from sale of property for improvements. Questioned, if decision is to fund over seven years, would there be a subsequent reduction in rates. Councilman Evans further felt domestic users must take control before any impact is made; questioned and Mr. Mc Means advised irrigation users have not been billed for capital improvements in shared areas since no problems have been experienced thusfar; much of the water loss derives from the domestic system, as indicated by recent sonic testing. Mr. McMeans advised funding of improvements would be a combined source - half from the rate increase and half from Council Minutes - 7/10/86 Page 4 - the sale of assets. Felt confident that, barring sharp inflation, a reduction in rates could be realized at the end of seven years, if not sooner. Councilman Petta felt staff recommendation to immediately apply for State Clean Water Bond Act loan equitable, thereby spreading costs to all who would benefit in the future; related residents realize the need for a rate increase; however, feel it should be equitable. Referencing pg. 14 of Report, noted total cost per year to the domestic user is $500,550 and $511,954 for irrigation users, though charges for domestic use far exceed those for irrigation. Expressed concern with lack of means to accurately measure irrigation water use due to non -utilization of meters; felt, since meters are of benefit to the Company, the additional meter charge assessed exclusively to the domestic user should be totally eliminated. Although the report was done well and inclusive of valid recommendations, could not accept it, feeling it insufficiently detailed and lacked mention of all conditions which could alleviate unacceptable water rates. Advised he is prepared to meet with staff to rectify for resubmission. John Help, 22592 Miriam Way, (1) Questioned whether Mr. McMeans is a Certified Water Quality Manager; (2) Understood the Water Company proposes connecting Miriam Way to existing old line, which could result in leaks; felt by running water farther up the hill pressure would be further reduced; (4) Questioned need for the size of Company's computer, which he felt a waste of money; (5) Concerned high water rates will cause deterioration of lawns and shrubbery. Mr. McMeans related the State does not require a water company manager to be licensed; questioned source of Mr. Help's information relative to connections; however, advised Miriam Way and Kingston are planned for improvements - no dates established as yet; does not feel the new 24" line will affect pressure. Noted the Company's computer does not have sufficient capacity to meet current needs. Mayor Pro Tem Matteson felt rates should not far exceed other companies' rates and a lot of adjustments should be made; felt water loss could be due to not measuring irrigation water through meters; objected to the inequitable 1/2 share allowance allotted by the Company; noted savings in pumping costs when leakage is reduced, which was not addressed, should be put into the project fund. Regarding alternatives to resolve problem, questioned what Mr. McMeans felt coul d be done and whether a 1 i fel i ne program coul d be establ i shed, especially for individuals on fixed incomes, Councilwoman Pfennighausen commended the Report as being comprehensive and informational; felt, however, situation will not change while present Board establishes Company policy, since seven members are sympathetic to the growers' point of view; felt the Board has historically and traditionally run the Company incompetently. As an alternative, recommended exploring segregating the domestic and irrigation systems to exclude agricultural users from having influence over what affects residential users, thereby giving the City and residents a voice. Council Minutes - 7/10/86 Page 5 - Councilman Petta concurred a need exists for better representation; acknowledged the Board may not always make the right decisions - felt recommendation in this case was approved because approach was presented as the best avenue; felt, if Board is properly approached, members will listen and use good judgment to change a decision if it appears incorrect; cited two previous occasions in which he was appointed by Council to represent community needs, with problems resolved in both cases. Believes the City can put forth the right message and get results. Recessed at 7:20 p.m.; reconvened at 7:40 p.m., with all members present. Riverside Highland Water Rate Increase Report (Cont'd) Jack Hall, 12060 Arl iss Drive, questioned reliability of meters. Mr. Mc Means related 400 meters changed last year and approximately 50 this year - some meters are changed each reading. Requested individuals experiencing meter problems call the Water Company. Mr. McMeans, responding to Mayor Pro Tem Matteson, related a response is expected next month on tax-free bonding - all alternatives will continue to be explored. Advised irrigation users are experiencing 100-140% increase in water rates; an adjustment was made in the meter and assessment charge last month resulting in a decrease in 4.6% of water bills; regarding a lifeline program which would require adjustment of rates, questioned who would ultimately absorb the increase on the other end, noting some high users have already absorbed a large increase; felt conservation of water usage should result in reduced costs. Dr. Lloyd Watson, 23248 Barton Road, not attempting to impeach anyone's character, observed questions not as yet answered. Regarding increase in growers' rates, questioned how determination of usage is made without meters. Relative to financing repairs, noted there is no percentage breakdown on the three reported sources of funding; felt the Report meaningless from that standpoint. Questioned actual cost for capital improvements, noting he had read of a $5.5 Million Dollar amount - if that figure correct, felt the Company should have that amount in the bank from sale of assets. Did not anticipate answers or action from the Water Company; therefore, felt avenue should be explored to gain control of the shares and questioned how City could assist in acquisition thereof. Believed citizens would help, noting he woul d be wil 1 i ng to do so. Felt current rates unreasonable and residents are being railroaded. Mayor Grant questioned efforts made thusfar to form a citizen committee; although alternatives have been discussed, felt nothing can be assured until there is a change in the Board of Directors. Indicated Councilman Petta's recommendation for a more detailed report possibly a cautious approach, but felt it a very positive step in securing necessary answers. Assured the City will do everything in its capactiy to help resolve matter; however, requested all efforts be made to exclude politicizing once a committee is formed. Council Minutes - 7/10/86 Page 6 - Responding to Councilman Evans, Mr. Schwab advised, relative to the percentage of funding sources questioned by Dr. Watson, he did indicate 50% to be funded through sale of assets and interest and 50% from consumers. As far as list of shareholders, as requested at the last meeting, felt it possible to acouire, however, would be up to the Water Company to furnish; noted total shares are 4,566 shares - 2,633 irrigation; 1,933 dommestic. Mayor Pro Tem Matteson advised he anticipated the list for the proposed committee to assist in acquiring proxies. Mr. Schwab, in response to Dr. Watson, clarified $5.5 Million Dollar figure for sale of property is incorrect - the figure is approximately $2 Million; understood total revenue including principal and interest to be about $2.5 Million Dollars; approximately $600,000 is currently in the bank. Responding to Councilman Petta's request for clarification, Mr. McMeans advised he was not certain of sale amount, but assured an exact figure would be supplied. CC-86-197 Motion by Councilman Petta, Second by Mayor Grant, ALL AYES, that he meet with staff to review the Report and, in addition to recommendations made at this meeting, develop a more comprehensive recommendation for Council; subsequently, Council to appoint a Councilmember to meet with the Water Board and discuss this matter. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT - The next Planning Commission meeting will e held July e Title 18 Ad Hoc Committee will meet July 17, 1986. Interviews of Planning Commission applicants to be conducted in the Council Chamber Conference Room, Wednesday, July 30, 1986, 6:00 p.m. Planning Services - Councilman Evans voiced importance of in-house planning an e t arrangements should be made to discuss issue further. Councilwoman Pfennighausen felt matter should be placed on next Agenda. Council concurred. CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE REPORT - Minutes of the June 2, 1986 meeting were provided. ayor rant related receipt of correspondence from Ed O'Neal , dated July 1, 1986, confirming prior verbal request not to be reappointed to the Committee. CC-86-198 Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Matteson, Second by Councilman Petta, ALL AYES, to reappoint Ron Wright for a four-year term to expire June 30, 1990, and to accept Ed O'Neal's resignation with regret and send appropriate letter of appreciation for his services. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT - City Manager Armstead advised a meeting of City Managers was held last week in Loma Linda; related Councilwoman Pfennighausen and he urged other cities to expedite the 11th draft of the Emergency Operations Plan and test emergency response action. Councilwoman Pfennighausen encouraged an official letter be sent to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors stating necessity to get Plan off the ground and urge other communities to do the same. Council Minutes - 7/10/86 Page 7 - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REPORT - Dick Kelsey, Chamber representative, reported the following: 1) City entrance sign sites have been selected; awaiting approval from the Colton Joint Unified School District. (2) Conveyed Dave Terbest's request that Council direct staff to process a variance for the next Planning Commission Agenda. Planning Director Kicak clarified the variance in question pertained to a citizen request to construct an office in a C-2, CPD zone; all will be done to accommodate request; however, City Attorney must be consulted relative to determination of use; related official request had not been submitted to date; (3) Chamber will host a reception on July 29, 1986, 7:00 p.m., in the Community Room with the theme of "Meeting Your Chamber"; encouraged non-member participation - objective is to promote economics and improve quality of living within the City; (4) Chamber promotion of "Terrace Days", beginning September 28, as a community involvement situation; theme will be "Day in the Park". Following weekend will include Chili Cook -off and parade. Noted, due to potential liability insurance problems, Chamber is downgrading events. POLICE CHIEF REPORT - Councilmembers will individually meet with Captain Bradford to discuss law enforcement coverage. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilman Petta, subsequent to the recent earthquake, read an article in the Sun a egram wherein ten items were listed relative to what to do during and after an earthquake; felt this information should be distributed to each household through the sewer billings. CC-86-199 Motion by Councilman Petta, Second by Mayor Grant, ALL AYES, to reproduce earthquake information onto a card and mail to all residents. Following Councilwoman Pfennighausen's recommendation, Councilman Petta, with Second in concurrence (Mayor Grant), changed Motion No. CC-86-199 to include providing information to the Emergency Operations Committee for its consideration and recommendations prior to mailing to residents. The Motion carried, ALL AYES. Councilwoman Pfennighausen reported the following: (1) Request from several elderly residents from Grand Royal Mobile Estates that a crosswalk be placed on Barton Road at Canal Street, for safe access to Stater Brothers shopping Center and the bank; requested matter be expedited if possible; (2) Individual from East Palm expressed residents' interest in having their children participate in the Terrace Hills Jr. High School's Summer Library Program; however, would not allow them to cross the street due to excessive traffic speed. Requested some type of warning light be installed. Mayor Grant concurred with observations. Mayor Pro Tem Matteson, with Councilman Petta in concurrence, voiced concern with potential increase of danger by letting individuals cross at that point rather than at the traffic signal. Councilman Petta suggested staff research and submit recommendation. Council Minutes - 7/10/86 Page 8 - CC-86-200 Motion by Councilwoman Pfennighausen, Second by Councilman Evans, ALL AYES, that a crosswalk be placed in the vicinity of Canal Street and Barton Road to facilitate the safe crossing of residents. In reference to crosswalks, Councilman Petta felt one might be necessary on Palm Avenue and Barton Road where the planter is located. City Engineer Kicak advised matter would be investigated. Mayor Grant reported the following: (1) Attendance at OMNITRANS and ANBAG meetings on July 9, 1986; (2) Voiced continued concern with the three non -conforming signs on DeBerry Street. City Manager Armstead related individuals have been notified of violation and, if not complied with, further action will be taken; (3) Noted the terrible state of the City in terms of cleanliness - emphasized importance of cleaning up community. ENGINEERING/PLANNING SERVICES HOURLY RATE INCREASE Finance Director Schwab related Kicak and Associates' request to increase hourly rate schedule for engineering/planning services, noting last increase was in August of 1983; proposed increase averages 11% and equates to 3.67% annually when spread over the three year period. Noted request was received early in June; however, request was not submitted earlier due to heavy agendas; budget appropriations are sufficient. Noted survey of hourly rates of local engineering firms found City's current contractor's rates to be significantly below the market. Related staff recommendations to approve Rate Schedule Amendment 2 to Contract GTC 79-11, effective July 1, 1986. CC-86-201 Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Matteson, Second by Councilman Petta, ALL AYES, to approve Rate Schedule Amendment 2 to Contract GTC 79-11, Engineering/Planning Services, effective July 1, 1986, TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION AT WASHINGTON STREET AND MT. VERNON AVENUE Relative to the installation of the traffic signal at intersection of Washington Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue (east side of I-215), City Manager Armstead related contact with Colton's City Manager indicated the Colton Redevelopment Agency will be undertaking project within the next 4-6 months which will include signal ization and widening of the Washington Street Bridge. CITY'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM City Manager Armstead noted a report forthcoming relative to costs and timetables of approved capital improvement projects to be updated and submitted monthly. 11 Council Minutes - 7/10/86 Page 9 - Adjourned at 8:57 p.m. 3�, i s cancelled. The LI Thursday, July 31, 1986, 0 0 The regularly scheduled meeting of July 24, next regular meeting will be held on at 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, jed';�� i ty Cl e r APPROVED: