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Home My WebLink About1997-03-11 - MINUTES - REGULAR (2)MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CITY COUNCIL 6:30 P.M. MARCH 11, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Smyth called to order the regular meeting of the City Council at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Boyer who was absent due to his testifying before a House sub -committee on behalf of the City concerning ISTEA funds. CITY CLERK'S City Clerk, Sharon Dawson, announced that anyone wishing to ANNOUNCEMENT address an item on the agenda should fill out a speakers' slip and submit it to the City Clerk before the item is discussed. EXECUTIVE SESSION This time has been set aside for Councilmembers to review the agenda and obtain any further information that may be needed. This session is open to the public. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Addressing the Council at this time was Pat O'Kelley, Cheryl Grotefend and R. David Barsky regarding bus service. INVOCATION Councilmember Heidt led the invocation. PLEDGE OF Councilmember Heidt led the Pledge of Allegiance. ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Heidt, second by Darcy, to approve the agenda, adding Item 17 regarding area code boundaries, finding the need to discuss this item arose subsequent to the posting of the agenda for this meeting. Hearing no objections, it was so ordered. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Darcy, second by Heidt, to approve the minutes of February 25, 1997. Hearing no objections, it was so ordered. AWARDS/RECOGNITION Mayor Smyth and the City Council presented a "Caught Ya Doing Something Good" award to Deputy Dan Peacock and Gary Beaman acknowledging their heroic behavior. RECOGNITION George Caravalho, City Manager, displayed a plaque received from the William S. Hart Union High School District for the City's participation in the School Partnership Program and presented it to ITEM 1 CONSENT CALENDAR AUTHORIZING A CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF A RESIDENTIAL UNIT PRICING SYSTEM - City staff prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) to conduct a residential unit pricing system in Santa Clarita. Staff invited the three proposers, Skumatz Economic Research Associates, EcoNomics and Hilton Farnkopf and Hobson to interview for final selection. The proposers were evaluated on their experience, responses to the RFP and cost. Additionally, staff conducted individual interviews with each consultant to discuss their proposal. Approve, and authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Skumatz Economic Research As (SERA) in the amount of $29,990 plus a 20% contingency fee to conduct a study of a residential unit pricing system in Santa Clarita. Councilmember YJajic disqualified herself from voting on this item due to a conflict of interest. Motion by Heidt, second by Darcy, to approve item 1. On roll call vote: Ayes: Heidt, Darcy, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Disqualified: Majic Motion carried. ITEM 2 CONSENT CALENDAR BOUQUET CANYON TRAILS INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS - PROJECT NO. 80003 - BID AWARD - This project involves construction of new sidewalk, crosswalk, drainage, and signal improvements to improve pedestrian accessibility from the intersection at Bouquet Canyon Road and Cinema Drive to the Transit stop to the north, and to improve commuter transit routes to the Santa Clarita intermodal transit station. Approve the award of the contract for the Bouquet Cyn. Trails Intersection Improvements, Project No. 80003, to Excel Paving Company in the amount of $22,789.00, and authorize a $10,000.00 contingency expenditure should any change orders to the contract become necessary. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve all documents relating to this contract. ITEM 3 CONSENT CALENDAR ASSISTANCE TO THE WILLIAM S. HART SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE REPAIRIREPLACEMENT OF THE CANYON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM FLOORS - Financial assistance not to exceed $100,000 for the repair/replacement of the Canyon High School gymnasium floors which are used extensively by the City for a variety of recreation activity. Authorize assistance to the William S. Hart Union High School District and appropriate $100,000 from City Council Contingency, Account No. 1240-7401 to Parks, Recreation and Community Services Contractual Services, Account No. 7100-8001. Addressing the Council on this item was Jacquie Wiggins representing the Canyon High Parent Advisory Committee in support. ITEM 4 CONSENT CALENDAR AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH WIENEKE AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR DESIGN SERVICES RELATED TO THE SAN FERNANDO ROAD MEDIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - Contract for construction of the San Fernando Road Median Improvement Project. The project design would include plans to construct and improve medians along San Fernando Road between Sierra Highway and Valle Del Oro Road. Authorize City Manager to enter into a contract with John Wieneke and Associates, Inc. for $28,200 for comprehensive services relating to the San Fernando Road Median Improvement Project charged to Account No. 12002-455-8001. ITEM 5 CONSENT CALENDAR AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH DAVID EVANS AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR SANTA CLARA RIVER TRAIL PHASE IV DESIGN SERVICES - Contract for design services for the Santa Clara River Trail Phase IV project. The Santa Clara River Trail Phase IV provides a connection to the existing South Fork River Trail at the McBean Parkway under crossing and follows the Santa Clara River westerly toward the Interstate 5. Phase IV will accommodate bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian uses. Authorize City Manager to enter into a contract with David Evans and Associates, Inc. not to exceed $100,000 for comprehensive services relating to the Santa Clara River Trail Phase IV project to be charged to Account No. 8000 2452-8001 ($50,000) and Account No. 8000 2052-8001 ($50,000). ITEM 6 CONSENT CALENDAR APPROVE THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE FIRST FLOOR CITY HALL REMODEL AND AUTHORIZE THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR PROJECT NO. GS -96-97-13 - On December 10, 1996 the City Council approved a plan to relocate some City offices to improve access for citizens obtaining City services. This process requires architectural design services to prepare plans and specifications that can be submitted for a public bid, for remodeling portions of the first floor. On January 28, 1997, Council approved contracting with RTK to provide the plans and specifications for the remodeling design. Approve the plans and specifications for the first floor remodeling and authorize the advertisement for bids. ITEM 7 CONSENT CALENDAR AWARD CONTRACT FOR AUDIT SERVICES - The Finance Division has completed the Request for Proposal process for the selection of an accounting firm to perform the City's audit services for a period of three fiscal years with an option to extend two additional fiscal years. After the audit committee completed its evaluation of candidates who submitted proposals, it determined Moreland & Associates as the most technically qualified firm in meeting the City's audit requirements. Award contract for audit services to Moreland & Associates for a period of three years ending June 30, 1999. The amount of this contract will not exceed $45,700 for FY `96-'97; $47,528 for FY `97-'98; and $49,430 for FY `98-'99. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. Steve Stark, Director of Administrative Services, introduced Chuck Acocello, Sr. Manager, Moreland & Associates to the City Council. ITEM 8 CONSENT CALENDAR CHECK REGISTER NUMBERS 7 AND 8 - RESOLUTION NO. 97-17 - This resolution approves and ratifies payment the demands presented in the check register. Adopt Resolution No. 97-17, ITEM 9 Motion by Heidt, second by Darcy to adopt the consent calendar with the exception of item 1. On roll call vote: Ayes: Darcy, Heidt, Klajic, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Motion carried. Mayor Smyth opened the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING RAILROAD AVENUE IMPROVEMENT City Clerk, Sharon Dawson, reported that all notices required have PROJECT NO. 95-065 been posted. Ken Pulskamp, Assistant City Manager, reported that on June 11, 1996, the City Council approved in concept the Newhall Downtown Revitalization Plan. A major part of this program is the reconstruction of Railroad Avenue from San Fernando Road south of 4th Street to San Fernando Road at 11th Street. Staff has held three community meetings with the business and property owners along Railroad Avenue. On February 25, 1997, staff presented the Railroad Avenue Improvement Project and the Newhall Metrolink Station Project to the Council and under the direction of Council staff has met with concerned property and business owners. Addressing the Council on this item was Tom Patrick, who spoke in favor. Other speakers who submitted speaker slips indicated their preference to speak at the time of the continued public hearing. Motion by Klajic, second by Heidt, to continue the public hearing to April 8, 1997, at which time additional information will be presented to Council for their review and action; authorize the advertising for bids for the Railroad Avenue Improvement Project; approve a change order to the existing design contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. In the amount of $85,000. On roll call vote: Ayes: Heidt, Klajic, Darcy, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Motion carried. El ITEM 10 Mayor Smyth opened the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING PROTEST HEARING: City Clerk, Sharon Dawson, reported that all notices required have DETERMINE IF SUFFICIENT been posted. PROTESTS EXISTS AND MAKE FINDINGS ON WRITTEN Michael Rubin, Associate Planner, reported that this is a resolution PROTEST AND APPROVING to be adopted by the City Council to approve findings on written AND ORDER ANNEXATION protests and to approve and order Annexation No. 1992-03 (Seco NO. 1992-03 (SECO CANYON) - Canyon). The annexation consists of approximately 425 acres of RESOLUTION NO. 97-19 inhabited land located in the Saugus area, north of Copper Hill Drive and east and west of Seco Canyon Road. An amended boundary map showing a minor revision to the annexation area reducing the area by approximately 10.5 acres was distributed for Council consideration. This amendment will require renewed LAFCO review and approval. Addressing the Council in favor of this item was Timothy Violette, Steve Hunter, Gary Catalde, Steve Cravitz. Dan Barton expressed concern with regarding to the speed of vehicles on Seco Canyon. Mayor Smyth closed the public hearing and the protest period. Two valid protest letters,were submitted on this annexation. ^—. Motion by Heidt, second by Darcy, to adopt Resolution No. 97-19 including the revised annexation area, finding there was not a sufficient number of written protests submitted. On roll call vote: Ayes: Darcy, Heidt, Klajic, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Resolution No. 97-19 adopted. ITEM 11 Mayor Smyth opened the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING PROTEST HEARING: City Clerk, Sharon Dawson, reported that all notices required have DETERMINE IF SUFFICIENT been posted. PROTEST EXISTS AND MAKE FINDINGS ON WRITTEN Michael Rubin, Associate Planner, reported that this is a resolution PROTEST AND APPROVING to be adopted by the City Council to approve findings on written AND ORDER ANNEXATION protests and to approve and order 1992-04 (Northbridge). The NO. 1992-04 (NORTHBRIDGE) - annexation consists of approximately 743 acres of inhabited land RESOLUTION NO. 97-20 located in the Valencia area, north of Newhall Ranch Road, and east of McBean Parkway. Mayor Smyth closed the public hearing and protest period. Four valid protest letters were submitted on this annexation. Motion by Darcy, second by Majic, to adopt Resolution No. 97-20, finding there was not a sufficient number of written protests submitted. On roll call vote: Ayes: Heidt, ffiajic, Darcy, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Resolution No. 97-20 adopted. ITEM 12 Mayor Smyth opened the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING NEWS VENDING MACHINE City Clerk, Sharon Dawson, reported that all notices required have ORDINANCE - FIRST READING been posted. AND SCHEDULE OF FEES - ORDINANCE NO. 97-5 - T. Brad Therrien, Assistant City Engineer, reported that in January RESOLUTION NO. 97-21 - 1996, City Council reviewed the Municipal Code, Chapter 13.24, related to News Vending Machines. Controversial and non- controversial issues were discussed. As directed by Council, Staff revised the ordinance and submitted it to the City Attorney for review. In November 1996, a final draft was presented to several publishers and distributors for their comments. No requests to speak were submitted on this item. One letter in opposition was submitted by the Antelope Valley Press. Mayor Smyth closed the public hearing. Carl Newton, City Attorney, read the title to Ordinance No. 97-5. Motion by Heidt, second by Darcy, to defer passage of Resolution No. 97-21 - Schedule of Fees to the next scheduled meeting on March 25, 1997. Introduce, waive further reading, and pass Ordinance No. 97-5 to second reading on March 25, 1997. On roll call vote: Ayes: Darcy, Heidt, Majic, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Ordinance No. 97-5 passed to second reading. 0 ITEM 13 Mayor Smyth opened the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING IMPOSING CIVIL FINES City Clerk, Sharon Dawson, reported that all notices required have FOR MUNICIPAL CODE been posted. VIOLATIONS RESOLUTION NO. 97-14 Ruben Barrera, Building Official, reported that the California State ORDINANCE NO. 97-2 Legislature recently adopted a new law that authorizes cities to impose civil fines for municipal code violations (Government Code Section 53069.4). This authorization allows cities to establish municipal code -civil fine programs that are modeled after the parking violation system adopted in 1992. Parking violations are now addressed through the imposition of administrative hearings and civil fines. No requests to speak were submitted on this item. Mayor Smyth closed the public hearing. City Attorney, Carl Newton, read the title to Ordinance No. 97-2. Motion by HIajic, second by Heidt, to defer adoption of Resolution No. 97-14 to the next scheduled meeting on March 25, 1997; introduce, waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 97-2 to a second reading on March 25, 1997. On roll call vote: Ayes: HIajic, Heidt, Darcy, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Ordinance No. 97-2 passed to second reading. RECESS & RECONVENE Mayor Smyth called a recess at 8:20 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:32 p.m. ITEM 14 Ruben Barrera, Building Official, reported that on October 1, 1996, UNFINISHED BUSINESS Building and Safety presented the City Council with an overview of FOLLOW-UP TO "AN the policies, practices, and procedures of Code Enforcement. At that OVERVIEW OF CODE time, Councilmembers expressed an interest in further examining the ENFORCEMENT" following three issues: Volunteers/Part-time Employees, Legal Services, and Proactive Code Enforcement. Staffs report provides a summary of the information compiled and several options for the Council's consideration. This item was held over from the regular City Council meeting on February 25, 1997. Addressing the Council on this item was Jan Meggs and Chris Townsley. No requests to speak were submitted on this item. Motion by Heidt, second by Darcy, to direct staff to amend the residential franchise agreements to reflect the changes outlined in the report, allow the residential refuse franchise agreements to automatically extend for a 12 month period, increase public education and explore alternatives to use special pickups for "leafy areas." On roll call vote: r"+ Ayes: Darcy, Heidt, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Disqualified: HIajic Motion carried. ITEM 16 NEW BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR YOUTH PRESENTATION ITEM 17 SUBSEQUENT NEED NEW 805 AREA CODE BOUNDARIES Councilmember HIajic returned to the Chamber at this time. George Caravalho, City Manager, gave highlights of a report about strategies to prevent youth violence and received comments from the City Council. Through earlier action, this item was added to the agenda. Jesse Juarros, General Services Manager, reported that the California Code Administration (CCA) will hold a meeting on Thursday, March 13, 1997, to discuss the boundary options for a new area code in the 805 area and provided a slide presentation on the proposed options. Addressing the Council on this item was Paula Oliveras representing Pacific Bell. Following discussion, Council requested staff to bring this item back in 30 days allowing Staff an opportunity to meet with the Sheriff and to design a program including weekend service utilizing fully staffed City positions. ITEM 15 Councilmember HIajic disqualified herself from participation on UNFINISHED BUSINESS this item due to a conflict of interest and left the Chamber. RESIDENTIAL REFUSE FRANCHISES: ANNUAL 12 Lynn Harris, Deputy City Manager, Public Works, reported that MONTH TERM EXTENSION following the close of the February 25, 1997 public hearing, staff OF AGREEMENTS was directed to identify and summarize the key issues raised at the hearing, seek resolutions with the haulers to the issues and return to the City Council with a recommendation for action. No requests to speak were submitted on this item. Motion by Heidt, second by Darcy, to direct staff to amend the residential franchise agreements to reflect the changes outlined in the report, allow the residential refuse franchise agreements to automatically extend for a 12 month period, increase public education and explore alternatives to use special pickups for "leafy areas." On roll call vote: r"+ Ayes: Darcy, Heidt, Smyth Noes: None Absent: Boyer Disqualified: HIajic Motion carried. ITEM 16 NEW BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR YOUTH PRESENTATION ITEM 17 SUBSEQUENT NEED NEW 805 AREA CODE BOUNDARIES Councilmember HIajic returned to the Chamber at this time. George Caravalho, City Manager, gave highlights of a report about strategies to prevent youth violence and received comments from the City Council. Through earlier action, this item was added to the agenda. Jesse Juarros, General Services Manager, reported that the California Code Administration (CCA) will hold a meeting on Thursday, March 13, 1997, to discuss the boundary options for a new area code in the 805 area and provided a slide presentation on the proposed options. Addressing the Council on this item was Paula Oliveras representing Pacific Bell. COMMITTEE REPORTS City Manager, George Caravalho, reported that the Chamber Liaison Government Review Committee had invited council members to attend some of the meetings. STAFF COMMENTS City Manager, George Caravalho, reported that Assemblymember George Runner had leased space in the second floor of City Hall and that a joint meeting was being scheduled at 8:00 a.m. on March 27, 1997. COUNCILMEM 3ER COMMENTS I_\ 131'11l"1u 1�Y ATTEST: r CITY CLERK minmar11.97 Mayor Smyth commented on the Lockeed open house in Lancaster. Councilmember Heidt commented on Saturday Metrolink usage. Councilmember Majic commented on the amount of last minute material being submitted just prior to a Council meeting. At 10:44 p.m., motion made by Darcy, second by Smyth, to adjourn to the next regular meeting of the City Council. Hearing no objections, it was so ordered. VE