Cerritos City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS
HELD NOVEMBER 22, 2005
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor John Crawley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cerritos City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, California.
INVOCATION
Councilman Jim Edwards offered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilwoman Laura Lee led the assembly in the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
The City Clerk noted attendance of the following Members of the City Council:
Councilman Jim Edwards
Councilwoman Gloria Kappe
Councilwoman Laura Lee
Mayor Pro Tem Paul W. Bowlen
Mayor John F. Crawley
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Crawley presented a proclamation to representatives of Cerritos College congratulating Cerritos College upon the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Crawley invited comments from those who wished to address the City Council on other than agenda items. There was no response and the public comments and suggestions portion of the meeting was closed.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Approval of Register of Demands
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to approve the Register of Demands dated November 22, 2005, Checks 76224 through 76395, Checks 76396 through 76469 and Checks 76470 through 76654, in the total amount of $2,491,971.48. The motion unanimously carried.
Approval of Treasurer’s Report for period ending October 31, 2005
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to approve the Treasurer's Report for the period ending October 31, 2005. The motion unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to approve the Minutes of the November 10, 2005 Regular City Council Meeting. The motion unanimously carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
An appeal of a decision of the Cerritos Property Preservation Commission denying a request to remove a parkway tree adjacent to the property located at 12609 Lucas Street, Cerritos, California (APN 7012-016-035) – Case No. TR 2005-08 - Appellant: Dannis Bibler.
Appeal to the City Council PPC 2005-1
Title to the foregoing item was read, the public hearing opened, and staff called upon for a report.
Parks Superintendent Kuh provided background information on the appellant’s tree removal request and an overview of the staff report dated November 22, 2005, noting that the appellant expressed concern that the tree roots are lifting the sidewalk and the needle droppings have made property maintenance difficult. He indicated that the Property Preservation Commission previously approved the removal of one parkway tree at the same property. Mr. Kuh addressed the subsequent review and determination of the Cerritos Property Preservation Commission to deny the request in accordance with the provisions of the City's tree ordinance, noting the tree is growing in a healthy and safe manner and does not meet the tree removal criteria.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Kuh indicated that the parkway tree previously removed at the property and three other pine trees removed on Lucas Street were replaced with podocarpus macrophylla trees; and indicated that the City does not have a long range plan to replace pine trees with podocarpus macrophylla trees, but elected to make the street more aesthetically pleasing by having all the trees match.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony. There was no response and the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bowlen to uphold the Property Preservation Commission’s determination denying a request to remove a parkway tree located at 12609 Lucas Street, Cerritos, California, in accordance with the City’s Tree Ordinance; and direct staff to inform the property owner of the City Council’s decision regarding the removal of said parkway tree. The motion unanimously carried.
A request by United Parcel Service, 25201 Paseo De Alicia #200, Laguna Hills, California 92653-4600, for a time extension to Conditional Use Permit 80-5(B) (2004) Amendment and Precise Plan 80-10(B) (2004) Amendment which were approved to remove 300 employee parking spaces at their regional facility, 13233 Moore Street, and to construct 121 parking spaces for trucks up to a length of 45 feet. Also proposed is the construction of ±14’-0” high decorative, tilt up concrete walls that will screen the truck parking area. The subject property covers ±28.72 acres of land and is currently developed with a ±306,932 square foot regional UPS building that includes offices, a large distribution center, and a large truck staging area. The property is zoned ADP-1, Area Development Plan One, Industrial Park, and it is within the Los Coyotes Redevelopment Project Area (APN 7005-006-059).
Time extension for Conditional Use Permit 80-5(B) (2004) Amendment and Precise Plan 80-10(B) (2004) Amendment.
A request by United Parcel Service, 25201 Paseo De Alicia #200, Laguna Hills, California 92653-4600, for a time extension to Conditional Use Permit 2004-3 and Precise Plan 2004-5 which were approved to construct a ±155,744 square foot parking structure with a partial subterranean level and two (2) above-ground levels that will include 425 parking spaces and to construct an outside area that will accommodate an additional 38 parking spaces. The subject property is owned by United Parcel Service and is located at 13150 Moore Street, across the street from the United Parcel Service Regional Distribution Center. The subject property covers ±2.69 acres of land and is currently vacant. The property is zoned ADP-1, Area Development Plan One, Industrial Park, and it is within the Los Coyotes Redevelopment Project Area (APN 7005-006-061).
Time extension for Conditional Use Permit 2004-3 and Precise Plan 2004-5.
It was noted that the foregoing items would be heard concurrently. The Mayor read title to the items, declared the public hearings open and called upon staff for reports.
Redevelopment/Economic Development Administrator Anthony noted the following correction to the staff report for the time extension for Conditional Use Permit 80-5(B) (2004) Amendment and Precise Plan 80-10(B) (2004) Amendment dated November 22, 2005:
Modify Recommendation:
Page 2:
1. Cerritos Redevelopment Agency actions:
A. Receive and file the attached report relative to a nine-month time extension from July 13, 2005 to April 12, 2006 for
Conditional Use Permit 2004-3 and Precise Plan 2004-5Conditional Use Permit 80-5(B) (2004) Amendment and Precise Plan 80-10(B) (2004) Amendment.
2. Cerritos City Council actions:
A. Approve a nine-month time extension from July 13, 2005 to April 12, 2006 for
Conditional Use Permit 2004‑3, and Precise Plan 2004-5Conditional Use Permit 80-5(B) (2004) Amendment and Precise Plan 80-10(B) (2004) Amendment, making the findings set forth in the Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2005-74.
Mr. Anthony provided an overview of the time extension requests by United Parcel Service for the demolition of the existing employee parking lot, construction of a parking lot for UPS delivery trucks and the construction of multi-level employee parking structure as outlined in the staff reports dated November 22, 2005, noting that the applicant has requested an additional nine-month extension for the submittal of construction plans to the Building and Safety Division. Mr. Anthony also noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the time extension requests.
In response to Council inquiry, staff indicated that the requests would allow for a nine-month time extension from July 13, 2005 to April 12, 2006, and that there are not an established number of extensions granted for a project.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony.
Derek Butts, Project Manager for United Parcel Service, indicated that the time extension would allow for additional time needed to complete construction plans and offered to answer any questions.
No one else wished to address the City Council on this matter and the public hearing was closed.
Time extension for Conditional Use Permit 80-5(B) (2004) Amendment and Precise Plan 80-10(B) (2004) Amendment.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to approve a nine-month time extension from July 13, 2005 to April 12, 2006 for Conditional Use Permit 80-5(B) (2004) Amendment and Precise Plan 80-10(B) (2004) Amendment, making the findings set forth in the Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2004-74. The motion unanimously carried.
Time extension for Conditional Use Permit 2004-3 and Precise Plan 2004-5.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to approve a nine-month time extension from July 13, 2005 to April 12, 2006 for Conditional Use Permit 2004-3 and Precise Plan 2004-5, making the findings set forth in the Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2005-73. The motion unanimously carried.
New and Old Business
Consideration and award of Bid No. 1015-05, printing of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts third seasonal calendar.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to award Bid No. 1015-05 for the printing of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts third seasonal calendar to Bert-Co in the amount of $45,290.00. The motion unanimously carried.
COUNCIL: Review and consideration of an artist for the proposed 50th anniversary mosaic artwork to be located in the Sculpture Garden in the Cerritos Civic Center that will be generally located on the northwest corner of Bloomfield Avenue and 183rd Street.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bowlen and seconded by Councilman Edwards to concur with the recommendation of the Fine Arts and Historical Commission and approve the selection of Ms. Terry Braunstein as the artist to create the 50th anniversary commemorative artwork for the City of Cerritos and direct staff and the Fine Arts and Historical Commission to continue with the project as appropriate. The motion unanimously carried.
COUNCIL: Review and consideration of the proposed artwork for the Cerritos Veterans Memorial that will be generally located on the northwest corner of Bloomfield Avenue and 183rd Street in the Cerritos Civic Center.
Deputy City Manager Matsumoto provided background information relative to the selection of a design concept for a Veterans Memorial and presented an overview of the staff report dated November 22, 2005. In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Matsumoto discussed the following: possible program to honor deceased veterans by flying United States flags presented in their honor at the memorial for special event; the role of the Merchant Marines in World War II and veteran status conferred on certain of its members; and recognition of the Merchant Marines with Veterans Memorials in some instances and separately in other cases. She also noted that placement of names on the sculpture has yet to be determined, and she discussed the possibility of including a flame element that could be lit on special occasions.
The Chair invited comments from interested parties.
Rudy Pulido, Cerritos resident and Commander of the Artesia-Cerritos VFW Post #1846, expressed appreciation for the Veterans Memorial, requested the project proceed without delay for dedication on Veterans Day 2006, and suggested a memorial that would provide a lasting legacy in honor of veterans.
Marianne Hughlett, Cerritos resident, discussed the role of the Merchant Marines during World War II, which resulted in veteran status by the Federal government for those serving during that period, noted the monument criteria to honor all veterans past, present and future, and expressed that the Merchant Marines should be given full recognition on the Veterans Memorial.
Ernesto Ferrer, Member of the Southern California Philippine U.S. Veterans Association, opposed the inclusion of the Merchant Marines on the Veterans Memorial, noting a preference for a separate memorial for the Merchant Marines.
James Russell, Cerritos Veterans Memorial artist, discussed the symbolism of the memorial design.
John Skiles, Cerritos resident and President of the Southern California Philippine U.S. Veterans Association, expressed appreciation for the Veterans Memorial and noted a preference for the Stack Arms design. He opposed the inclusion of the Merchant Marines on the Veterans Memorial.
Daniel Ortega, District Service Officer of Artesia-Cerritos VFW Post #1846, commented on the veteran status conferred on the Merchant Marines and suggested flying the flag of a deceased veteran on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
No one else wished to address the City Council and the public input portion of this item was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Edwards to concur with the recommendation of the fine Arts and Historical Commission to select James T. Russell's design concept "Cerritos Veterans Memorial" as the City of Cerritos Veterans Memorial, as submitted to the City on October 14, 2005, and direct staff as appropriate to complete the Veterans Memorial project. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Edwards, Kappe, Lee, Bowlen, Crawley
NOES: Councilmembers - None
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to concur with the recommendation of the Fine Arts and Historical Commission and adopt a program to fly the flag of a deceased veteran on certain military/patriotic occasions at the memorial site, and direct staff to provide additional information on this subject for further review and consideration. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Edwards, Kappe, Lee, Bowlen, Crawley
NOES: Councilmembers - None
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Edwards to concur with the recommendation of the Fine Arts and Historical Commission and approve the recognition of the United States Merchant Marines in the Veterans Memorial with the addition of that seal, and directed staff to work with the artist to amend the design proposal to include the sixth seal for review by the Fine Arts and Historical Commission and City Council consideration. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Edwards, Kappe, Lee, Bowlen
NOES: Councilmembers - Crawley
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmembers extended to the community best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving holiday and expressed appreciation to military personnel for their services and sacrifices to our country.
Councilwoman Kappe commented on the holiday tree lighting ceremony held at the Civic Center prior to this evening’s meeting; and requested placing the matter of possibly rescheduling the January 9, 2006 City Council/Redevelopment Agency meeting on the next agenda.
CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to place the matter of a possible rescheduling of the January 9, 2006 City Council/Redevelopment Agency meeting on the next agenda.
Councilman Edwards commented on the Veterans Day Ceremony and the holiday tree lighting ceremony; and reported on the installation of a new art piece entitled “Intercept” by James Russell at the corner of South Street and Studebaker Road.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
/s/ JosephineTriggs
Josephine Triggs, City Clerk
Attest:
/s/ John F. Crawley
John F. Crawley, Mayor
Approved: December 5, 2005
