- CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING 5:30 P.M. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 22, 2005 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Smyth called to order the special meeting of the City Council at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was none. CLOSED SESSION Carl Newton, City Attorney, advised of the need to conduct a Closed Session for the purpose of holding a: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Pending Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) Case Name: Christopher Motamednia v. City of Santa Clarita, et al. LA County Superior Court Case No. PC 033990Z RECESS AND RECONVENE Mayor Smyth recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 5:31 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 6:04p.m. CITY ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENT Carl Newton, City Attorney, announced that no action was taken in Closed Session that was required to be reported. ADJOURN Mayor Smyth adjourned the meeting at 6:04 p.m. - CITY CLERK'S ANNOUNCEMENT Sharon Dawson, City Clerk, announced that anyone wishing to address an item on the agenda should complete a speaker's slip and submit it to the City Clerk before the item is announced by the Mayor. INVOCATION Councilmember McLean gave the invocation. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Smyth called to order the regular meeting of the City Council at 6:08 p.m.
ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present. FLAG SALUTE Councilmember McLean invited Ken Pulskamp, City Manager, to lead the flag salute. STAFF COMMENTS Ken Pulskamp, City Manager, reported on recent storm damage to bike paths and trails and advised of two unsafe houses on Fairgate Avenue that were declared a public nuisance based on findings of the Building Official and demolished after a hearing was held on-site over the weekend. Staff would be trimming various trees and repairing potholes throughout the City; citizens were urged to report any potholes at 661-294-2520. COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilmember Ferry commented on the 5th anniversary of the Blue Ribbon Task Force and acknowledged the outstanding job that was being done; commented on the 5th anniversary of the walk honoring the sons of Mary Alice and Tom Renolds and others killed in a traffic accident on Soledad Canyon Road; and commented on the media stories regarding "racial tension" in the community. Councilmember McLean reported on her attendance at the Valencia Industrial Assn. lunch with discussion on a business incubation program as a partnership with the College of the Canyons and local businesses; noted receipt of a letter from the League of CA Cities concerning the possible elimination/reduction of the CDBG fund program and urged Council to send a letter to Senators Boxer and Feinstein to request this not happen; noted that the Department of Toxic Substance Control has sent letters to residents regarding their remediation action plan which marks the beginning of cleanup; and acknowledged that the Forest Plan revision would be coming out in August and that the City should perhaps be prepared to appeal the Plan. Council concurrence to send letters to Senators Boxer and Feinstein regarding the CDBG program. Mayor Pro Tern Weste acknowledged and concurred with Councilmember Ferry's comments regarding the Blue Ribbon Task Force; expressed concern with access to the Castaic animal shelter and urged that the program for Pitchess inmates learning pet grooming be reinstated; and urged everyone to be careful and remain safe with the weather conditions. Councilmember Kellar acknowledged and concurred with Councilmember Ferry's comments regarding the Blue Ribbon Task Force; reported on a Homeland Security meeting with the Independent Cities Assn.; recognized the difficulty residents are having with traffic and roads due to the weather conditions; and requested an update on the potential restriping of San Fernando Road between Railroad Avenue and Sierra Highway/14 freeway. In response to Councilmember Kellar' s request, Ken Pulskamp, City Manager, provided an update indicating that a survey had been done; staff would now be contacting residents in the area and would bring a report back to Council, probably in May, for consideration. 2
Mayor Smyth noted that on Thursday at Peachland Elementary School, an assembly would be held to kickoff the Healthy Santa Clarita Program and indicated that one assembly would be held at various schools each month for a year as part of the program. A WARDS/RECOGNITION TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY Mayor Smyth and Councilmembers presented a Lifetime Achievement Certificate to Elijah Canty, a longtime resident of the Santa Clarita Valley. PRESENTATIONS TO THE CITY There were none. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Addressing the Council at this time was John Kunak representing the Castaic Area Town Council regarding the issue of annexation. One written comment was received with regard to offering badminton at the Sports Complex. STAFF COMMENTS Ken Pulskamp, City Manager, indicated that staff would be happy to engage in conversation with Mr. Kunak regarding the annexation process. EXECUTIVE MEETING This time has been set aside for Councilmembers to review the agenda and obtain any further information that may be added. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ken Pulskamp, City Manager, noted the need for Council to consider adding a subsequent need item to the agenda to extend the resolution proclaiming existence of a local emergency, given the additional rainfall. Motion by Kellar, second by Weste, to add Item 9A to the agenda concerning the continuation of a local emergency, finding that there is an immediate need to consider the item and that the need arose subsequent to the posting of the agenda for this meeting. On roll call vote: Ayes: McLean, Weste, Kellar, Ferry, Smyth Motion by Kellar, second by McLean, to approve the agenda, pulling Items 6 and 8 from the Consent Calendar. Hearing no objections, it was so ordered. 3
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Weste, second by Kellar, to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2005 special and regular City Council meetings as submitted. Hearing no objections, it was so ordered. RECESS TO SANTA CLARITA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Smyth recessed the meeting to the Redevelopment Agency meeting at 6:35 p.m. RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Smyth reconvened the meeting of the City Council at 6:38 p.m. ITEMl READING OF ORDINANCE TITLES Government Code Section 36934 requires that all ordinances be read in full prior to Council taking action on the ordinance. By listing the ordinance title on the Council meeting agenda, Council may determine that the title has been read. Determine that the titles to all ordinances which appear on this public agenda have been read and waive further reading. ITEM2 SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 13.24 NEWS VENDING MACHINES OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING CHAPTER 13.24 NEWSRACKS Revising and/or adding sections addressing newsrack priority; obtaining a newsrack permit; changing permit validity from one year to two years; standards for maintenance and display of newsracks; special standards district; abatement, impound, and appeal provisions; and summary abatement. Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 05-3 entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING CHAPTER 13.24 OF TITLE 13, DIVISION 1 OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF NEWS VENDING MACHINES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AND ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 13.24 OF TITLE 13, DIVISION 1 OF THE SANT A CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF NEWSRACKS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY". ITEM3 TRANSFER OF STORM DRAIN MTD NOS. 1658 AND 1725 TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT These storm drains have been constructed to the satisfaction of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and are ready for transfer. County procedures require that each storm drain transfer request be accompanied by a resolution. Adopt Resolution No. 05-20 for the transfer and conveyance of Miscellaneous Transfer Drain (MTD) No. 1658 and adopt Resolution No. 05-21 for the transfer and conveyance of Miscellaneous Transfer Drain (MTD) No. 1725 to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. 4
ITEM4 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORTS General Plan Annual Report for the 2002-03 and 2003-04 fiscal years as required by the Housing and Community Development (HCD). Review and file the report on the General Plan Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 and Fiscal Year 2003-2004. ITEMS SOLEDAD TOWNHOMES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) CONTRACT Authorization to enter into a professional services agreement with RBF Consulting to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Soledad Townhomes project (Master Case Number 04-444 ). Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a professional services contract between the City and RBF Consulting to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Soledad Townhomes project, for a total contract amount not to exceed $204,420 from account #501-23059, subject to City Attorney approval. EIR preparation costs will be bourne by the applicant. ITEM6 SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF OAK TREE AMENDMENT In February of 2004, staff was directed by the City Council and the Planning Commission to revise the existing Oak Tree ordinance as it applies to residential property. Ordinance revisions cover pruning, encroachment, and removal of oak trees on properties that are occupied by a single family home. Addressing the Council on this item was Henry Schultz representing Sierra Club; and Lynne Plambeck representing SCOPE. Motion by McLean, second by Weste, to amend the proposed ordinance to reduce the size of oak trees to not exceed 12.5" in circumference under E. Exemptions and to add wording to G. Authority to require a request for pruning to be by a certified arborist and clarifying the reference to residential parcels, with an education program and guidelines for the Planning Director to be developed. On roll call vote: Ayes: Kellar, Ferry, McLean, Weste, Smyth Motion by Weste, second by McLean, to waive first reading and introduce an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 17.17.090 OF TITLE 17, OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING OAK TREE PRESERVATION" with second reading scheduled for March 8, 2005. 5
On roll call vote: Ayes: Ferry, McLean, Weste, Kellar, Smyth ITEM7 BRIDGEPORT JOINT USE AGREEMENT (JUA) The Saugus Union School District and the City of Santa Clarita enter into this Joint Use Agreement (JUA) as a basis for use by the District of a portion of the Bridgeport Community Park and use by the City of certain facilities at Bridgeport Elementary School. Approve the Joint Use Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and the Saugus Union School District for Bridgeport Community Park and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the JUA. ITEMS AW ARD OF CONTRACT FOR ASSESSMENT ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE FORMATION OF A PARK AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION DISTRICT The City Council has directed staff to pursue the formation of a Park and Open Space Preservation District. A request for proposals was sent out, with 5 firms responding. Harris & Associates has been selected as the firm that most meets the City's needs. Approve a budget transfer in the amount of $300,000 from City Council Contingency account 2250-7401 to account 2100-8001, to provide funding to create the Parkland and Open Space Preservation District process. Award contract to Harris & Associates in the amount not to exceed $84,500, plus a 10% contingency for assessment engineering services. Authorize the City Manager to sign all documents, subject to City Attorney approval. Councilrnernber Ferry indicated his desire to have as much information as possible and not rush the process. Mayor Pro Tern Weste concurred and stressed that the process be done correctly. Mayor Smyth appointed Councilmember Ferry and Mayor Pro Tern Weste to serve as liaison on the Council ad-hoc committee with Councilmember McLean to serve as alternate. ITEM9 CHECK REGISTER NOS. 05 AND 06 Approval of the Check Registers. Adopt Resolution No. 05-22 to approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Registers 05 and 06. ITEM9A SUBSEQUENT NEED ITEM CONTINUATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY 14-day ratification of resolution proclaiming existence of a local emergency. Approve and ratify existing resolution proclaiming existence of a local emergency. Through action taken earlier during the meeting, this item was added to the agenda at this time. 6
Motion by Weste, second by Kellar, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 6. On roll call vote: Ayes: Ferry, McLean, Weste, Kellar, Smyth ITEM IO PUBLIC HEARING DEVELOPER FEE INCREASE FOR FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LA TEST ADOPTED LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEVELOPER FEE PROGRAM Mayor Smyth opened the public hearing. Sharon Dawson, City Clerk, stated that all notices required have been provided. Council consensus to waive staff report. - In report, Ruben Barrera, City Building Official, stated that this item is for the annual reassessment of Los Angeles County fire facilities and subsequent adjustment of related development fees. No requests to speak were submitted on this item. Mayor Smyth closed the public hearing. Motion by Kellar, second by Weste, to adopt Resolution No. 05-23 to increase Fire District fees from $0.3716 per square foot to $0.3877 per square foot in accordance with the Developer Fee Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County. On roll call vote: Ayes: McLean, Weste, Kellar, Ferry, Smyth - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Addressing the Council at this time was Robin Williams-Nohara regarding diversity, safety and quality of life issues. ITEMU NEW BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT'S RESPONSE TO REMOVE PEPPER TREES Councilmember McLean advised that the Metropolitan Water District has determined that the 7
removal of 80-100 pepper trees located in Placerita Canyon is necessary to prevent any possible water pipeline damage. No requests to speak were submitted on this item. Ken Pulskamp, City Manager, reported on his contact with Mr. Gilbert Ivey of the MWD who was adamant that the trees would be removed; the District's #1 priority is the protection of their right-of-way and easements. Carl Newton, City Attorney, advised that the City has no power in this matter. Council direction for staff to prepare letters to Senator Runner, Assemblymember Richman, Mayor Hahn, Supervisor Antonovich, and the MT A Board seeking their assistance in retaining the trees. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Smyth adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m. FUTURE MEETINGS A City Council/Planning Commission Joint Study Session will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. in the Century Room, 1st floor of City Hall, 23920 Valencia, Santa Clarita CA. The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 1st floor of City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, CA. ATTEST: 05Feb'.:::Z.:n.doc 8