Cerritos City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS
HELD MAY 10, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called 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
Boy Scout Troop 1005 led the assembly in the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
The following Members of the City Council were in attendance:
Councilman Bruce Barrows
Councilwoman Carol Chen
Councilman Jim Edwards
Mayor Pro Tem Laura Lee
Mayor Joseph Cho, Ph.D.
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamations were presented to the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo for being selected as part of the City's Business Recognition Program; Cerritos High School Girls Varsity Water Polo Team for winning the 2009-10 San Gabriel Valley League Championship; Dr. Mary Sieu for being presented with the ABC Unified School District Central Administrator of the Year award; Valley Christian Schools commemorating its 75th anniversary; Dr. Kevin Kaemingk for his service to Valley Christian Schools for the past 21 years; and Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Callanan for his outstanding command leadership for the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion since August 13, 2008 and for his exemplary service and contributions to the United States Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel Callanan also presented flags flown by the 1st CEB in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on September 11, 2009, with certificates of authenticity, to major supporters of the 1st CEB adoption program.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Annette Watts, Cerritos resident, expressed safety concerns with regard to a residence in her neighborhood across the street from Nixon Elementary School and a related incident involving a partially clothed male in public in front of the residence.
It was noted that Community and Safety Services Director Berg would look into the matter.
Larry Andre, Lakewood resident, introduced himself as a Republican candidate for the 39th Congressional district.
CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO VACANCIES ON VARIOUS COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Consideration of nomination of a Private Sector Representative to the Board of Directors of the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board (SELACO WIB).
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilwoman Chen to select Gordon Zbinden as the City’s Private Sector nominee to the SELACO WIB Board of Directors and forward the nomination to the City’s Policy Board representative, Mayor Pro Tem Laura Lee, for placement on the Policy Board agenda as the City’s Private Sector nominee to the SELACO WIB Board of Directors. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of Register of Demands
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Edwards to approve the Register of Demands dated May 10, 2010, Checks 116206 through 116690, in the total amount of $8,643,715.30. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Treasurer's Report for the period ending March 31, 2010
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Edwards to approve the Treasurer's Report for the period ending March 31, 2010. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Edwards to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 22, 2010, and Regular Meeting of April 22, 2010, as corrected. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A request by applicant Walton CWCA O'Donnell Cerritos 46, LLC, 1800 East Imperial Highway, Suite 205, Brea, California, 92821, for approval of a warehouse use in an existing industrial building located at 15905, 15931, 16011 and 16107 Commerce Way, Cerritos, California, 90703. The subject property is zoned Industrial (M) (APN 7005-013-067).
Conditional Use Permit 2010-2*
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is categorically exempt.
A request by applicant Walton CWCA O'Donnell Cerritos 46, LLC, 1800 East Imperial Highway, Suite 205, Brea, California, 92821, for approval of a warehouse use at 15927, 16011 and 16105 Distribution Way, Cerritos, California, 90703. The subject property is zoned Industrial (M) (APN 7005-013-064).
Conditional Use Permit 2010-3*
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is categorically exempt.
The foregoing Agenda Items 11A and 11B were considered concurrently. Title was read to these items, the public hearings opened, and staff reports presented.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony.
Tracey Barton, representing the applicant, responded to property maintenance inquiries and indicated that the time frame for completion of property maintenance conditions outlined in Agenda Item 11B could be completed in six months.
No one else wished to present testimony and the public hearing was closed.
Conditional Use Permit 2010-2
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilwoman Chen that the City Council approve Conditional Use Permit 2010-2, making the findings set forth in Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2010-14. The motion carried unanimously.
Conditional Use Permit 2010-3
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilwoman Chen that the City Council approve Conditional Use Permit 2010-3, making the findings set forth in Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2010-15, with the following modifications to the conditions of approval:
| Modify Condition 59: |
Time Frame for Completion. |
|---|
The motion carried unanimously.
A proposal by Vestar Property Management, 7575 Carson Boulevard, Long Beach, California, 90808, for renovations to the existing outdoor plaza area and pedestrian corridors at the Cerritos Towne Center. Proposed improvements include landscape and hardscape upgrades as well as the addition of an outdoor fireplace, landscape planters, seating amenities, and shade canopies. The subject site is located adjacent to 12731, 12741, and 12751 Towne Center Drive, is zoned Development Area Two (ADP-2), and is located within the Los Coyotes Redevelopment Project Area (APN 7030-001-027).
Cerritos Redevelopment Agency Conformity Report 2010-2
Precise Plan 92-6(L)(2009) Amendment*
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is categorically exempt.
Title was read to the foregoing public hearing item, the public hearing opened, and staff report presented.
Jeff Lochner, representing the applicant, discussed conditions of approval with the Council and responded to inquiries, noting that the proposed lights are LED; damaged concrete would be identified and replaced; a general maintenance program for the clock tower is adhered to; the green screen plantings are fast-growing; and the project is scheduled to begin in mid-June.
MOTION: Following discussion regarding enhanced bicycle rack design and possible review of the design by the Fine Arts and Historical Commission, it was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilwoman Chen to modify Condition 59 with regard to bicycle racks to provide that the location and design of the bicycle racks would be subject to review and approval of the Community Development Director and the Community Development Director may refer the design of the bicycle racks to a Commission or Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
Additional discussion was held with regard to replacement of damaged concrete with an effort toward an agreeable determination of when concrete should be replaced, and the following modifications and addition to the conditions of approval were presented:
| Modify Condition 56: |
Concrete. Developer shall install all concrete to minimize cracking and/or spalling. Should it be determined by the City that existing or newly installed concrete has become significantly deteriorated |
|---|---|
| Modify Condition 59: |
Bicycle Racks. The applicant shall add bicycle racks to the subject site. |
| Add Condition 60: |
Clock Tower Maintenance. The property owner shall ensure that existing lighting and the existing clock tower housing a wireless telecommunication facility at Cerritos Towne Center be maintained in good working operation and repair and shall ensure the commencement and diligent pursuit of repairs within 72 hours of notice from the City of any malfunction or deficiency. |
Mr. Lochner expressed concurrence with the changes to conditions 56 and 59 and the addition of condition 60 as presented.
No one else wished to present testimony and the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Edwards that the City Council:
A. Receive and file Cerritos Redevelopment Agency Conformity Report 2010-2;
B. Approve Precise Plan 92-6(L)(2009) Amendment, making the findings set forth in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2010-16, subject to the modifications to conditions 56 and 59 and addition of condition 60 as presented; and
as recommended in the staff report dated May 10, 2010. The motion carried unanimously.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
The meeting recessed at 8:55 p.m. and reconvened at 9:05 p.m., with all Councilmembers in attendance.
NEW AND OLD BUSINESS
Review and consideration of a letter transmittal to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors regarding a proposed community standards district for the "Cerritos Island" unincorporated area generally located at the southwest corner of 166th Street and Gridley Road.
The staff report was presented by Current Planning Manager Lopez and discussion followed with regard to the emergency access concerns associated with Elmcroft Avenue.
Charlie Ara, Cerritos resident, opined that the proposed letter does not go far enough in addressing concerns of nearby Cerritos residents with regard to emergency access at Elmcroft Avenue.
Dixie Primosch, Cerritos resident, noted that double and triple parking is occurring in the cul-de-sacs within the County island area, which presents a public safety and fire hazard for nearby Cerritos residences, suggesting that the curbs in these areas be painted red to prohibit parking. She also pointed out that the block walls separating the island area and Cerritos residences are deteriorating due to general neglect of the vegetation and sprinkler systems on the island side of the walls. Ms. Primosch asked that her comments be included in the letter that will be transmitted to the County.
Discussion ensued by and between Councilmembers and staff regarding emergency access and fire safety concerns related to the County island area, specifically about double/triple parking in the cul-de-sacs; overflow parking from the Church; increasing the width and establishing a greater setback for Elmcroft Avenue; providing signage, striping and red curb to prohibit parking of vehicles in the access area as well as a time frame for completion of these items; requiring paved access; and determining who owns the block walls separating the island area from adjacent Cerritos residents. It was suggested the letter be revised to reflect these issues.
Additional discussion was held regarding the possibility of revising the Sheriff's Department contract to permit deputies assigned to Cerritos to patrol this area rather than deputies assigned to unincorporated areas of the County.
It was also suggested that these concerns as well as those expressed by residents this evening be specific and expressed in stronger terms in a revised letter.
MOTION: It was then moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilwoman Chen to revise the draft letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors regarding a proposed community standards district for the "Cerritos Island" unincorporated area generally located at the southwest corner of 166th Street and Gridley Road to include the concerns raised and discussed this evening, with the revised draft letter being brought back to the City Council at its next meeting for further review and consideration; that the City Council oppose the recommendations of the County, unless County approval is amended to address these concerns; and that the matter of Sheriff's Department patrol be considered as a separate issue for a report back to the City Council. The motion carried unanimously.
Review and consideration of the proposed design for the 2011 Pasadena Tournament of Roses float.
Following the staff report, Ram Kakkar, Cerritos resident, suggested the Council reconsider expending City funds for a float given the state of the economy, and consider selecting the Fantasy Garden or Horses and Carriage concepts.
In response to Council inquiry it was noted that there is no financial commitment associated with the selection of the design concept and discussion followed regarding the deadline for the filing of an acceptance letter for participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade. It was suggested during the discussion to defer the decision to participate until after the City's budget review and it was pointed out that the City was given an extended deadline, which has passed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to concur with the recommendation of the Fine Arts and Historical Commission and approve the Park Scene design concept entitled Cherishing the Memories for the 2011 Tournament of Roses Float entry, and authorize the Mayor and Spouse to ride on the Float as well as Miss Cerritos and Princess. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSENSUS: At the suggestion of Mayor Pro Tem Lee it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to report back on the possibility of having the Youth and Senior Volunteers of the Year ride on the float.
PENDING LEGISLATION
City Manager Gallucci reported on a recent court ruling giving the State the right to take redevelopment monies from agencies throughout the State, which translates into an approximate $11.8 million taking from the Cerritos Redevelopment Agency. He reported on the impact of this ruling on the Cuesta Villas project and noted that a more detailed report would be forthcoming to the City Council.
Councilman Barrows reported that Assembly Bill 1818, which attempted to take money from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and give it to the Santa Monica conservancy, was moved into suspense.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/COMMITTEE REPORTS/REPORT ON MEETINGS
Councilman Edwards thanked Lieutenant Colonel Callanan for his service and asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Artesia Councilman Larry Nelson, who recently passed away.
Councilwoman Chen thanked Captain Fuentes and Firefighters from Station 30 for their presentation on Emergency Preparedness and reported on her attendance at the Cerritos Trader Joe's 10th Anniversary and the Lion's Club Speech Contest. She noted that May is Asian American Heritage Month and requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Cerritos resident Joyce McCone, who recently passed away.
Councilman Barrows noted the City received a certificate from Californians to Protect Local Taxpayers and Vital Services for its efforts to stop the State from taking local government monies; suggested the City contact Edison to take the necessary steps, including possible building code modifications, to be able to accommodate new electric vehicles that will soon be offered at dealerships in the Auto Mall; received confirmation that the Economic Development Commission would review the Los Angeles County Economic Development Strategic Plan tomorrow evening; reported that MTA and Gateway Cities Council of Governments have informed the I-5 Consortium Cities that its project is on target with an anticipated completion time frame sometime in December 2012; and announced that Southern California Association of Governments would have a public meeting in Cerritos the second week in June to discuss public transit alternatives associated with the PE right-of-way. He expressed condolences to friends and family of Artesia Councilman Larry Nelson and Cerritos resident Joyce McCone.
Mayor Pro Tem Lee expressed her condolences to the Nelson and McCone families for their loss. She reported on her attendance at a recent Southern California Association of Governments meeting at which Proposition 16, the Taxpayers Right to Vote Act, was discussed, and at her request, Senior Assistant City Manager Brar commented on the potential ramifications of this proposition on municipal electrical utilities.
Mayor Cho reported on his attendance at the Friends of Arts Education Scholarship Presentation, ABC Adult School Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony, and 12th Annual Teen Contests Reception at Cerritos Library. He congratulated Cerritos resident Samantha Spawton for taking first place in Congresswoman Linda Sanchez's 8th Annual 39th Congressional District High School Art Competition, noting that her artwork would be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. He commented on the success of the Community Spring Festival and the Recycled Art Contest, and suggested including more Earth Day related information in the City's booth on recycling, energy savings and water conservation in cooperation with Los Angeles County Sanitation District and Central Basin Municipal Water District. The Mayor also commented on the Nordstrom Los Cerritos Grand Opening Gala; provided an update on preparations for the Korean War Veterans trip to Korean sponsored by the Sae Eden Presbyterian Church; the City's State of the City Address; and efforts toward passage of the California State Government Can't Take Local Government Funds Initiative (2010).
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m. in memory of Artesia Councilman Larry Nelson and Cerritos resident Joyce McCone, both of whom recently passed away.
/s/Josephine Triggs
ATTEST: Josephine Triggs, City Clerk
/s/Joseph Cho
Joseph Cho, Ph.D., Mayor
Approved: May 27, 2010
