Cerritos City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS
HELD FEBRUARY 9, 2006
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
Councilwoman Laura Lee offered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Fred Humphrey, Former Commander of Artesia-Cerritos VFW Post #1846, 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
Cerritos resident and First Lieutenant Gerald K. Kim presented the City Council a flag of the United States of America that was carried by his platoon December 13-16, 2005 on a Combat Patrol during elections in Baghdad, Iraq.
Mayor Crawley presented a proclamation to Dana Colbert, a representative of the American Heart Association, proclaiming the month of February 2006 to be “Wear Red for Women Month” in the City of Cerritos.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Wenchi Leu, Cerritos resident, discussed a concern regarding his inability to obtain DSL high-speed internet service through Verizon, and staff indicated that the City does not have regulatory authority to mandate Verizon to update their service and addressed the new high-speed internet service that will be available to residents through Wave Broadband in March 2006.
Rosalie Weisenberger, Cerritos resident, provided an update on the City’s Sister City relationship with Loreto, Baja California, Mexico.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Approval of Register of Demands
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Edwards to approve the Register of Demands dated February 9, 2006, Checks 78276 through 78419, Checks 78420 through 78584 and Checks 78585 through 78587, in the total amount of $13,524,051.95. The motion unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Edwards to approve the Minutes of the January 23, 2006 Special City Council Meeting. The motion unanimously carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Consideration to waive reading of and introduce an ordinance of the city of cerritos amending chapter 22.30, os-open space zone, of the cerritos municipal code as it relates to building height standards.
Negative Declaration
Development Code Amendment 2006-1
Title to the foregoing item was read, the public hearing opened, and staff called upon for a report.
Advance Planning/Redevelopment Manager Lopez provided an overview of the staff report dated February 9, 2006, noting that the proposed ordinance is a result of a request by Valley Christian Schools to increase the maximum building height in the Open Space Zone to accommodate the expansion of the school facilities. He reviewed the provisions of the proposed ordinance permitting the maximum building height from 35 feet to 50 feet. Mr. Lopez indicated that the proposed ordinance is consistent with the General Plan; noted that a Negative Declaration was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act; and indicated that Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony. No one wished to address the City Council on this matter and the public hearing was closed.
ORDINANCE NO. 910
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING CHAPTER 22.30, OS-OPEN SPACE ZONE, OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE AS IT RELATES TO BUILDING HEIGHT STANDARDS.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bowlen and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to waive reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 910. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Edwards, Kappe, Lee, Bowlen, Crawley
NOES: Councilmembers - None
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None
Valley Christian Schools, Inc., 10818 Artesia Boulevard, Cerritos, California, 90703, is requesting approval to amend the previously approved Master Plan for the existing school complex located at 10818 Artesia Boulevard, Cerritos, California. The properties are located within the Los Cerritos Redevelopment Project Area ([APN 7034-017-033 and APN 7034-018-900] subject to change).
Cerritos Redevelopment Agency Conformity Report 2006-1
Conditional Use Permit 2003-1(B) (2006) Amendment*
Precise Plan 2003-1(B) (2006) Amendment*
*Environmental impacts of this project were considered previously under Conditional Use Permit 2003-1 and Precise Plan 2003-1.
Title to the foregoing item was read, the public hearing opened, and staff called upon for a report.
Current Planning Manager Hamilton provided an overview of the staff report dated February 9, 2006, reviewing an aerial photograph of the site, site plan, high school and middle school campus plans, details of the various phases of the proposed improvements and artist’s renderings.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony.
Gloria Broming, LPA, Inc., representing Valley Christian Schools, expressed concurrence with the conditions of approval and offered to answer any questions.
No one else wished to address the City Council on this matter and the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilwoman Lee that the City Council:
A. Receive and file Cerritos Redevelopment Agency Conformity Report 2006-1;
B. Approve Conditional Use Permit 2003-1(B) (2006) Amendment, making the findings set forth in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2006-08; and
C. Approve Precise Plan 2003-1(B) (2006) Amendment, making the findings set forth in the Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2006-09;
as recommended in the staff report dated February 9, 2006. The motion unanimously carried.
NEW AND OLD BUSINESS
Review and consideration of a proposed modification to the design concept previously selected 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 (APN 7025-028-906).
Assistant City Manager Matsumoto provided an overview of the staff report dated February 9, 2006 and reviewed details of the artwork and design concept for the Cerritos Veterans Memorial with two additional podiums for the Merchant Marines seal and the City of Cerritos dedication plaque.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony.
Mr. Ducharme, Cerritos resident, opposed the inclusion of the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial, asserting that the Merchant Marines are a civilian organization not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and not a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Fred Humphrey, Cerritos resident, stated that all related civilian organizations should be given recognition if the Merchant Marines are to be included on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial.
Eugene Schultz, Downey resident, spoke in opposition to the inclusion of the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial, opining that the Merchant Marines are a civilian organization.
John Skiles, Cerritos resident and President of the Southern California Philippine U.S. Veterans Association, spoke in opposition to the inclusion of the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial, asserting it was not a war memorial and reflect historical accuracy.
Ernesto Ferrer, Member of the Southern California Philippine U.S. Veterans Association, opined that: the public supports the design concept depicting the five branches of the United States Armed Forces; the Merchant Marines should not be confused with the veterans of the United States Armed Forces who served in defense of our country; and the decision regarding the design concept should be in the best interest of the City and historically correct.
Tom Tislow, Cerritos resident and member of Artesia-Cerritos VFW Post #1846, spoke in opposition to the inclusion to the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial, asserting that the Merchant Marines are a civilian organization and not a branch of the United States Armed Forces. He suggested the City dedication plaque and plaque recognizing civilian organizations that supported World War II be separate from the Cerritos Veterans Memorial.
Ray Ramirez, Whittier resident and President of Chapter 14 of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, spoke in support of the design concept for the Cerritos Veterans Memorial depicting the five branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Jerry Martin, Cerritos resident, spoke in support of the design concept for the Cerritos Veterans Memorial depicting the five branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Marianne Hughlett, Cerritos resident, spoke in support of recognizing the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial and read newspaper article excerpts in support of her views.
Josephine Garcia, Cerritos resident, spoke in opposition to recognizing the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial; expressed appreciation to the veterans of the United States Armed Forces for their services to our country; and read a quote from Senator John Warner of Virginia expressing appreciation to families of the United States Armed Forces serving our country.
Don Elam, Junior Commander of the Disabled Veterans in Lakewood, spoke in support of recognizing the five branches of the United States Armed Forces on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial.
Jack Rodriguez, Cerritos resident, spoke in support of the inclusion of the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial. He opined that the Merchant Marines deserve recognition for their services, contributions and sacrifices to our country; and read and disputed excerpts from a newspaper article regarding the Merchant Marines.
Rita King, Cerritos resident, concurred with the previous comments made by veterans in support of the design concept recognizing the five branches of the United States Armed Forces on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial.
Herbie Bryan, Cerritos resident, spoke in support of recognizing the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial.
Ralph Forbi, on behalf of his brother who is serving on the Norwegian Cruise Line as a Merchant Marine, spoke in support of recognizing only the five branches of the United States Armed Forces, and expressing his brother’s opinion that the Merchant Marines should not be recognized in this manner.
LaVerne Tancill, Cerritos resident, supported recognition of the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial.
Rudy Pulido, Cerritos resident and Commander of the Artesia-Cerritos VFW Post #1846, spoke in opposition to the inclusion of the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial, asserting that the Merchant Marines are not a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Paul Carlson, Cerritos resident and retired United States Army Major, spoke in opposition to the inclusion of the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial, opining that the Merchant Marines were among the various commercial profit companies involved in the war efforts. He also noted his opposition to the inclusion of the City seal on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial.
Barry Rabbitt, Cerritos resident and Fine Arts and Historical Commissioner, spoke in opposition to the inclusion of Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial, asserting that the Merchant Marines are a civilian organization and not a branch of the United States Armed Forces. He requested the Cerritos Veterans Memorial only recognize the five branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Jeff Enomoto, Cerritos resident and Army National Guard Sergeant, spoke in opposition to recognizing the Merchant Marines on the Cerritos Veterans Memorial and requested the memorial only include the five branches of United States Armed Forces.
No one else wished to comment.
Following Councilmember comments, the following motions were considered:
MOTION FAILS: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Edwards to approve the modified design concept for the Cerritos Veterans Memorial with seven podiums incorporating the United States Merchant Marines seal and the City of Cerritos dedication plaque. The motion failed by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Edwards, Kappe
NOES: Councilmembers - Lee, Bowlen, Crawley
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Matsumoto and artist James Russell indicated that the Cerritos Veterans Memorial and a plaque recognizing the United States Merchant Marines would be complete by the Veterans Day Celebration on November 11, 2006.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Mayor Crawley to approve the design concept for the Cerritos Veterans Memorial depicting the five branches of the United States Armed Forces and the placement of an appropriate
plaque recognizing the Merchant Marines. 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
PENDING LEGAL MATTERS
RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION
Consideration to waive reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON CLARKDALE AVENUE BETWEEN ARTESIA BOULEVARD AND FRAMPTON COURT.
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-3
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON CLARKDALE AVENUE BETWEEN ARTESIA BOULEVARD AND FRAMPTON COURT.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bowlen and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to waive reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2006-3. The motion unanimously carried.
Consideration and award of Bid No. 1018-06, printing of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 2006-2007 season brochures and the 2006-2007 single ticket brochures.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bowlen and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to award Bid No. 1018-06 for the printing of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 2006-2007 season brochures and the 2006-2007 single ticket brochures to Penn Litho in the amount of $405,525.00. The motion unanimously carried.
Consideration of the first amendment to agreement No. 28957 between the City of Cerritos and the City of Long Beach for the provision of animal control services for the period of July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to approve the first amendment to agreement No. 28957 for animal control services from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006; and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documentation on behalf of the City of Cerritos. The motion unanimously carried.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on the success of the benefit concert for the victims of Hurricane Katrina held on February 1, 2006 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and the Festival of Friendship cultural event held on February 4, 2006 at the Los Cerritos Center.
Councilman Edwards questioned the comments made by Ralph Forbi regarding Merchant Marines earlier this evening, noting that many have served honorably in the Merchant Marines.
Councilwoman Lee apologized for the language used by an entertainer during the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert; reported on her attendance at the United States Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., noting that the City of Cerritos received the 2005 Water Conservation Award; inquired about and staff responded regarding the water efficient toilet replacement program sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; and commented on the concern discussed by Wenchi Leu earlier this evening regarding the inability to obtain Verizon DSL high-speed internet service.
Mayor Pro Tem Bowlen announced that The History Channel will be premiering “Honor Deferred,” the story of seven African Americans, including Cerritos resident Allene Carter’s father-in-law, who were deferred the Medal of Honor for their service in World War II, on February 11, 2006, at 8:00 p.m.
Mayor Crawley also reported on his attendance at the United States Conference of Mayors and the City’s receipt of the 2005 Water Conservation Award and check in the amount of $5,000.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m. in memory of military personnel who have lost their lives in service to our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
/s/ Josephine Triggs
Josephine Triggs, City Clerk
ATTEST:
/s/ John F. Crawley
John F. Crawley, Mayor
Approved: February 23, 2006
