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Minutes 99-01-25CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF CYPRESS January25,1999 CITY PROMOTION--Appr the purchase of table for the Americana Award & adopt Reso commending citizens of the Year Bill & GaY Hannah COMMENDATIONS--Adopt of Reso commend Eagle Scout Ryan Tyler (Harry) Henderson COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPT.--Appr the attend to the American Plann Assoc National conf by the Corem Dev Director CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION--Appoint Julian Bloom to serve as a Commissioner DRC NO. 98-44--Appr a second-story addition to residence @ 5022 Belle Avenue FINANCE - MISC--Review of Invest Report for December 1998 --Adopt of Ordinance amending Chap 21A "Purchasing System" of the City Code --Appr of Commercial warrant List for Warrants No. 35614 - 35763 NON-CONFORMING HEARING BOARD--Appoint Michael Slu to serve as a Member ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY--Adopt amended agreement & Resos supp El Toro flight demonstration POLICE DEPT--Appr of purchase of PD Canine --Appr the purchase of 3 park enforce vehicles --Appr destruction of specified Police Depart Records PUBLIC WORKS--COnt of Proj Spec & Award of Contr for Install of Civic Center lights PW Proj # 9838 --Accept Of Irnpr for Cypress Business & Professional Center PW Proj # 9743 Page 7-8 7 6 9-10 6 6 8 9 9 5 5 6 4-5 6 UTILITIES UNDERGROUND--Adopt general utility undergrounding between Valley View and Holder 8-9 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL HELD January 25,1999 The Regular Meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 25, 1999, in the Board Room, Cypress, City Hall, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress, with Mayor Keenan presiding. JOINT MEETING WITH THE CYPRESS CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION: PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Sondhi, Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and Mayor Keenan COMMISSIONERS: Coronado, Kimble, Sunley, Vice Chair, Koester and Chair English ABSENT: Commissioners Bloch and Brown Also present were City Manager Ochenduszko, City Attorney Wynder, and staff members DeCarlo, Bailey and Liu. Mayor Keenan, for the benefit of the new Council, asked that everyone introduce themselves. Chair English gave a brief review of the Commissioners accomplishments for 1998. Vice Chair Koester provided a status on their Cultural Arts Plan which was previously approved by the City Council. This project consists of placing a piece of art work in a prominent place in the City. She indicated that they currently have $20,000 for this and the rest of the money necessary will be raised through donations. She said that they are looking at art pieces that depict children, education or family and have contacted a sculptor to prepare sketches. Commissioner Coronado announced that a Grant Writing Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 20, 1999, from 10:00 a.m., to 12:00 noon, in the Cypress Senior Citizens Center. She indicated that this was originally intended to meet the needs of the local arts groups but they have decided to offer it to any Cypress resident. Chair English announced that this year they are expanding their Quarterly Awards Program to include awards to one artist from each local high school. Commissioner Coronado provided the Council with a calendar of events planned for "Arts Week" which will be held from April 25, 1999 to May 2, 1999. Commissioner Kimble went over several upgrade projects they have completed at the facility where they currently hold their meetings. Commissioner Sunley announced that the Commission, in conjunction with the Library, was able to collect 300 video tapes for the Library. Chair English talked about the desire of a multi-use facility or performing arts center and asked the City Council to review the Cultural Arts Plan. She asked that the Commission be supplied with any information concerning whether or not a facility is something the Council would like to support. Chair English made several suggestions and gave some examples of other cities that have these type of facilities. The City Council commented on the resources and the possibility of this becoming a reality and they all concurred that a multi-use type facility would be something that Council would like to pursue. They commented on creating a non-profit group to specifically work on this project and to attract local businesses to join in this effort. They also discussed the possibility of doing a joint project with Buena Park, La Palma and Anaheim. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 25, 1999 The City Manager indicated that the first step of fund raising will be best spent in bringing in someone with expertise in theater management and theater market analysis, to prepare a plan of action. The Joint Meeting with the Cypress Cultural Arts Commission was concluded at 5:46 p.m. INTERVIEW SESSION: The City Council interviewed four applicants for the Non- Conforming Hearing Board and one applicant for the Cultural Arts Commission. CLOSED SESSION: The agendized, Conference with legal Counsel (existing litigation re: Stephen P. Spernak v. City of Cypress, et al.) was not held. 7:00 P.M. SESSION The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m., with Mayor Keenan presiding. PRESENT: Councilmembers McCoy, McGill, Sondhi, Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and Mayor Keenan Also present were City Manager Ochenduszko, City Attorney Wynder and staff members Christoffels, Angus, Storey, Hensley, DeCarlo and Liu. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The pledge was led by Cub Scout Pack No. 660. INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by City Attorney, William W. Wynder. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS BY MAYOR KEENAN: Mayor Keenan explained that the State of the City Address is given every year as a recap of events that occurred the previous year and set the state for events that will be occurring in 1999. The Mayor recognized the dedication, participation and hard work of residents, Commissioners and City staff members. The Mayor highlighted that: m The City remains fiscally sound while delivering high quality services. The City is predicting its future needs with respect to the maintenance of City owned assets using a 7 year Capital Improvement Program. · A Citizens Satisfaction Survey was completed in which residents and businesses were polled about their satisfaction with City services. The overall results reflected 94% satisfaction by residents, the highest percentage of satisfaction recorded by the Consultant who conducted the survey. · A City-wide Strategic Plan was implemented to establish the City's Mission, Goal, Objectives and Actions strategies to accomplish Cypress' long term vision for the future. The Mayor reported that crime rates for Cypress continue in a downward trend. He also reported that the Police Department has now 55 sworn officers, full staffing of sworn officers since 1978. He recognized the Police Department Citizens Volunteer Program and the D.A.R.E. Program. The Police Department received $80,000 for staff support of after-school activities, for community oriented policing, school safety programs and anti-gang education as well as the purchase of safety equipment for gang suppression purposes. Mayor Keenan went over major projects planned for Cypress, including the Lincoln Avenue Enhancement Project and projects that were accomplished in 1998. He also highlighted the first-time home buyer and home improvement programs. He went over the accomplishments in Recreation and Parks. The Mayor said that the Council is committed to continuing its community participation programs with the scheduling of town hall meetings, and the Mayor's Outreach Program. Furthermore, efforts to provide more information about City Government, its services and its project will be made through additional development of the City's Web Page and by Council hosted TV Shows, scheduled to start airing in March, 1999. He stated that the volunteers and Commissioners' efforts truly make a difference in the community. 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Januarv 25, '1999 The Mayor concluded that he and his fellow Councilmembers are committed to ensure solid representation of City issues at County and State related meetings, in their commitment to provide timely and factual information. He said he looks forward to serving along side his colleagues, community members and City staff as they work to maintain and enhance a safe, attractive and sustainable environment for all the citizens in Cypress. PRESENTATIONS: Captain Scott Brown of the Orange County Fire Authority presented status information on the Orange County Fire Authority's Paid Call Firefighter/Reserve Firefighter Program. For the benefit of the new Council, he gave a brief background of the program. As a result of legal opinion and existing case law, as well as several case decisions that were challenged on how government agencies volunteers were paid, the OCFA, in September 1998, announced their plans of restructuring the Paid Call Fire Fighter Program to a newly Reserve Firefighter Program. Captain Brown indicated that the demographics and demand for services demanded this change. The Federal Regulations Code 553.106e & f refer to how a volunteer is compensated. It was the decision of the board, which is comprised by Councilmembers from member cities, to maintain a community base volunteer system. The Federal regulations dictated that the changes needed to be made to assure a future program, but more importantly, assure that the program was in line with Federal Regulations. The cost of the old program was about $2.8 million in salary and benefits. The new reserve program has been implemented within that existing budget. There are no new fees or taxes. Captain Brown indicated that based on continuous analysis they have conducted, there will be no service impacts to the City of Cypress. In October the Board of Directors gave their approval to move forward with the implementation of the Program. Captain Brown reported that as of January l, '1999 the new Reserve Firefighter Program has been established. Councilmember McGill asked what was the genesis of reorganizing. Captain Brown stated that the process started with the review of the career personnel who at that time participated in the paid call fire program. As a result of direct implications, in terms of how overtime was calculated, there was a windfall with the career people participating as volunteer firefighters. In response to Councilmember McGill's question about the type of responsibilities the Reserve will undertake, Captain Brown replied that under the new program, the reserves will not be sent out of County on a routine basis. He indicated that there will be no changes to the duties taken in the past. Councilmember McCoy asked if the number of personnel would be increased with the new changes. Captain Brown indicated that there are no plans to hire additional career firefighters. In responding to Councilmember McCoy relating to title changes to the volunteers, Captain Brown replied that they currently have three titles, Company Officers, Driver Operators and Reserve Firefighters. After further discussion, Captain Brown invited the City Council for an orientation scheduled for February 8, 1999. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION/WORKSHOP AGENDA The City Manager reported that the City Council held a joint meeting with the Cypress Cultural Arts Commission to have its annual discussion of projects and efforts being undertaken by the Commission. The City Attorney relayed that the Closed Session scheduled was canceled as staff wanted to await additional information on the various related litigations that were agendized, before they briefed the Council. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 25, 1999 Mr. Wynder requested to add Item 17a, Appointment of a Cultural Arts Commissioner as it was inadvertently excluded from the agenda. It was moved by Mayor Keenan and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Piercy to add Item No. 17a, Appointment to the Cypress Cultural Arts Commission. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: LIMITED TO ONE-HALF HOUR Bernice Place congratulated the new Council Members and new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. She also commented that she has received positive comments about the Oktoberfest event. She asked that the local newspapers give equal exposure to the different events held in the City. Mary Crowder asked the City to address the problem of door to door candy vendors coming from other cities. She also thanked the Police Department for responding rapidly to her call. The City Manager explained that door to door solicitation do require a permit within the City of Cypress and it is granted by the City Council. He recommended that citizens call the Police immediately if they experiences door to door solicitation without an identification badge. Mayor Keenan commented that he attended a Talent Showcase '99 event, presented by the Cypress Recreation and Park District and the Cypress Senior Citizens Center, which was well attended and very enjoyable. He indicated that the City presented a proclamation to the Saint !renaeus Parish School, and in return they presented a plaque to the City, in appreciation of its outstanding support and commitment. AWARD OF CONTRACTS: Approval of Project Specifications and Award of Contract for Installation of Civic Center Lights, Public Works Project No. 9838: The City Manager asked that this item be continued to the next Council Meeting, scheduled for Monday, February 8, 1999. Purchase of Police Department Canine: Chief Hensley presented the item which was a request to purchase a police service dog. Since 1985 the Cypress Police Department has maintained a two dog department but one of the service dog named "Ajax" is ready to retire as he has demonstrated pain in his hips and is unable to endure searches or jumps. It has been the past practice of the City to sell a retiring service dog to its handlers for $1. Contact was made with the department's vendor, Adlerhorst Kennels, Inc. regarding the costs of obtaining a replacement police service dog. A proposal was received, quoting the replacement costs at $6,000. It was recommended that the City Council: 1) Authorize the appropriation of funds in the amount of $6,000 to account number 4165-11-163-05 for the purpose of purchasing a replacement police service dog from Adlerhorst Kennels, Inc., 3951 Vernon Avenue, Riverside, California, 92509. 2) Authorize the transfer of funds in the amount of $6,000 from Fund 28 (Asset Forfeiture Fund) to the General Fund for the purpose of reimbursing the General Fund for the initial appropriation. 3) Upon retirement of Ajax, it is recommended that he be sold to Officer Tom Bruce for the amount of one dollar ($1.00). The sale will transfer full ownership, title, and responsibility for Ajax to Officer Tom Bruce. In responding to Mayor Keenan about why the need for two dogs, Chief Hensley replied that in order to have an adequate deployment program, they need at least two dogs. The Chief went over the importance of having the canine service dogs. Councilmember McCoy commented that police service dogs are very valuable to have in a Police Department. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 25, 1999 It was moved by Councilmember McCoy and seconded by Councilmember McGill to 1) authorize the appropriation of funds in the amount of $6,000 to account number 4165- 11-163-05 for the purpose of purchasing a replacement police service dog from Adlerhorst Kennels, Inc., 3951 Vernon Avenue, Riverside, California, 92509. 2) Authorize the transfer of funds in the amount of $6,000 from Fund 28 (Asset Forfeiture Fund) to the General Fund for the purpose of reimbursing the General Fund for the initial appropriation. 3) Upon retirement of Ajax, that he be sold to Officer Tom Bruce for the amount of one dollar ($t.00) The sale will transfer full ownership, title, and responsibility for Ajax to Officer Tom Bruce. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None Award of Contract for Purchase of Parking Enforcement Vehicles: The Chief presented the item stating that during the 1988/1999 budget process, the City Council approved the replacement of three parking enforcement vehicles. The current parking enforcement vehicles are 1987 Ford Rangers with approximately 100,000 miles on the odometers. The trucks had minor restoration in 1995, however, they are no longer mechanically dependable. It was recommended that the City Council 1) Approve the replacement of three parking enforcement vehicles with three 1999 Ford Ranger pick- ups as described in the staff report and; 2) Award a contract to purchase the trucks from Advantage Ford-Lincoln/Mercury, 1051 Central Avenue, Durate, California 91010, in the amount of $39,921.39. In responding to Councilmember McCoy relative to the pick-up trucks, Chief Hensley replied that the trucks offer the versatility needed to transport barricades in the event there is a street closure, and provides the ability to haul around equipment for an emergency. They are also very economical. Mayor Pro Tem Piercy asked what is done to the old vehicles. Mr. Storey, Finance Director, responded that they could either become part of a trade in to purchase the other vehicles or they could be auctioned. Councilmember Sondhi asked if these vehicles are being traded in or auctioned. Mr. Storey indicated that they will be auctioned as they would get a better value for them. He indicated that the auction money is put in the replacement fund, which is the account that purchases vehicles. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and seconded by Councilmember McGill to 1) Approve the replacement of three parking enforcement vehicles with three 1999 Ford Ranger pick-ups as described in the staff report and; 2) Award a contract to purchase the trucks from Advantage Ford-Lincoln/Mercury, 1051 Central Avenue, Durate, California 91010, in the amount of $39,921.39. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the Agenda under "Consent Calendar" are to be considered by the City Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion approving the recommendations listed on the Agenda. Mayor Keenan requested that the minutes be pulled. Councilmember Sondhi requested to pull item No. 6 for comments. Councilmember McCoy asked that item No. 12 be pulled for discussion. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Januarv 25, 1999 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and seconded by Councilmember McGill to approve the Consent Calendar Items No. 4 through 13, with the exception of Items No. 4, No. 6 and No. 12. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None Item No. 5: Motion to Introduce and/or Adopt All Ordinances and Resolutions Presented for Consideration by Title Only and to Waive Further Reading. Item No. 7: Approval of Design Review Committee Permit No. 98-44, Request to Approve a Second-story Addition to an Existing Single-story Residence Located at 5022 Belle Avenue. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Resolution by title only, title as follows, approving Design Review Committee Permit No. 98-44 - with conditions. RESOLUTION NO. 5055 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS, APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PERMIT NO. 98-44 - WITH CONDITIONS. Item No. 8: Authorization for the Community Development Director to Attend the 1999 American Planning Association's National Conference. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the attendance of the Community Development Director to the 1999 American Planning Association's (APA) National Conference to be held on April 24-28, 1999, in Seattle, Washington, and be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred. Item No. 9: Acceptance of Improvements for Cypress Business and Professional Center Assessment District No. 1, Public Works Project No. 9743. Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Accept the improvements and seven related Change Orders for Cypress Business and Professional Center Assessment District No. 1, Public Works Project No. 9743, as being satisfactorily completed in conformance with the project specifications in the final amount of $1,058,169.49; 2) Approve the final retention payment of $105,816.95 to Hillcrest Contracting, P. O. Box 1898, Corona, CA 91718, 35 days after the Notice of Completion is filed, if no claims or objections have been filed, and upon the Director of Public Works' concurrence; and 3) Authorize the City Clerk to release the Labor and Materials Bond and the Faithful Performance Bond upon the expiration of the required lien period, if no claims or objections have been filed, upon the concurrence of the Director of Public Works. Item No. 10: Destruction of Specified Police Department Records. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Resolution by title only, title as follows, approving the Destruction of Specified Police Department Records per Section 34090 of the California Government Code. RESOLUTION NO. 5056 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF COMPLAINTS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FILES, INTERNAL AFFAIRS FILES, PERSONNEL FILES, UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANT BACKGROUND FILES THAT ARE OVER FIVE (5) YEARS OLD, CHIEF'S ADMINISTRATIVE FILES AND PITCHESS MOTIONS THAT ARE OVER TWO (2) YEARS OLD. Item No. I 1: Review of Investment Report for the Month of December 1998. Recommendation: Receive and file 6 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Januarv 25, 1999 Item No. 13: Adoption of Amended Agreement of the Orange County Regional Airport Authority and Consideration of Resolution to Support the El Toro Flight Demonstration. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the amended OCRAA Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement, and adopt the Resolution by title only, title as follows, supporting the El Toro Flight Demonstration. RESOLUTION NO. 5057 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS, SUPPORTING THE EL TORO FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION. Item No. 4: Approval of City Council Minutes of January 11, '1999. Regarding the minutes of January 11, 1999, Mayor Keenan asked why there was no roll call vote on Item No. 14. It was clarified that the motion for Item No. '14 was made as part of the Consent Calendar with the notation that Councilmember McGill was abstaining on this item. It was moved by Mayor Keenan and seconded by Councilmember Sondhi to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on January 11, '1999, as submitted. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: · AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None Item No. 6: Adoption of Resolution Commending Eagle Scout Ryan Tyler (Harry) Henderson. Councilmember Sondhi pulled this item to commend Eagle Scout Ryan. It was moved by Councilmember Sondhi and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Piercy to adopt the Resolution by title only, title as follows, commending Boy Scout Ryan Tyler (Harry) Henderson on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. RESOLUTION NO. 5058 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS, COMMENDING BOY SCOUT RYAN TYLER (HARRY) HENDERSON ON ATTAINING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None Item No. 12: Authorization to Purchase a Table at the 1999 Cypress College Americana Awards Banquet, and Adoption of Resolution Commending Cypress Citizens of the Year, Bill and Gay Hannah. Councilmember McCoy commended Bill and Gay Hannah for winning the Americana Award but explained that he pulled this item as he feels that $1,500 is a large sum of money for the City to spend. Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and Councilmember McGill concurred that the purchase of a table is a way of supporting the College. Mayor Keenan remarked that the City supports other programs and volunteer groups even more substantially than this. He said that this is the one time of the year that the City supports the college. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 25, 1999 It was moved by Councilmember McCoy and seconded by Councilmember Sondhi to approve the purchase of one ticket in the amount of $150 for the Mayor's attendance to the 1999 Cypress College Americana Awards and adopt the Resolution by title only, title as follows, commending Cypress Citizens of the Year, Bill and Gay Hannah. The motion failed by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Piercy and seconded by Councilmember McGill to support the 1999 Cypress College Americana Awards Banquet by purchasing a table of ten at the cost of $1,500, and adopt the Resolution by title only, title as follows, commending Cypress Citizens of the Year, Bill and Gay Hannah. RESOLUTION NO. 5059 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS, COMMENDING BILL AND GAY HANNAH ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 1999 CYPRESS COLLEGE AMERICANA AWARD "CITIZENS OF THE YEAI~" RECIPIENTS FROM THE CITY OF CYPRESS. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy COUNCILMEMBERS: None ORDINANCES: Second Reading of An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of. Cypress, Amendin.q Chapter 21A.,.."Purchasing System," of...the Code of the City..of Cypress: The City Manager indicated that the first reading of this Ordinance was presented to the City Council at the last meeting and it was staff's recommendation that the Council approve the second reading and the changes being proposed by this Ordinance would go into effect 30 days after it is approved. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and seconded by Councilmember McCoy to adopt the Ordinance by title only, title as follows, amending Chapter 21A., "Purchasing System," of the Code of the City of Cypress. ORDINANCE NO. 985 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS, AMENDING CHAPTER 21A., "PURCHASING SYSTEM," OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None NEW BUSINESS: General Utlllty..Undergrounding Information and Proposed District on Lincoln Avenue Between Valley. View and Holder: The City Manager introduced the item by noting that subject of this report was included in the Public Works Department's workplan. The City Council asked for a general report on how utility wires can be placed underground and a specific report on moving forward with a project to underground the utility wires on the south side of Lincoln Avenue between Valley View and Holder. The Public Works Director indicated that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has two rules governing the undergrounding of existing overhead utility lines. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 25, 1999 They are commonly known as Rule 20A and Rule 20B which were described in more detail in the staff report. Rule 20A is a PUC funded program for undergrounding overhead utilities along roads with the following characteristics: 1) The underground will eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead facilities. 2) The road is in an area extensively used by the general public and carries a heavy volume of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. 3) The road adjoins or passes through a civic area, public recreation area, or an area of unusual scenic interest to the general public. It was recommended that the City Council consider the information contained in the report, and take a formal position on the proposed undergrounding of utility wires on the south side of Lincoln Avenue between Valley View and Holder. In responding to Mayor Pro Tem Piercy relative to any feed back from residences or businesses, Mr. Christoffels responded that if Council approves the project, the business will then be noticed and given a cost estimate and told that they should voice their opposition, if any. Mr. Christoffels indicated that on Lincoln, the only' cost incurred by the businesses would be the cost to convert their own meters. For residential areas not on Lincoln, the cost to the residents would include the conversion of the meter and the undergrounding of their property. Mr. Christoffels, in responding to Councilmember McGill relative to an estimated cost incurred in this process for a residential home on Lincoln, indicated that it would only be the cost of the meter conversion, at approximately $400 to $500. He indicated that the City does not assess the fee, it would be a direct cost to the owner of the property. Councilmember Sondhi asked for clarification about the City paying the costs if certain findings are made. The Public Works Director explained that being Lincoln is in a redevelopment area, there are certain improvements that can be financed. Mayor Keenan asked if any of the lines on the south side of'the street benefit Buena Park. Mr. Christoffels responded that he would have to provide an answer at a later time as he would have to meet with the local Edison planner to~ determine that. In responding to Councilmember McCoy, Mr. Christoffels replied that the City could finance the conversion through an assessment district and payments could be made. He indicated that the balance of $721,000 reserved for this project would be totally depleted. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and seconded by Councilmember McGill to direct staff to start the process for undergrounding utilities along Lincoln Avenue. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None Appointment of One Member to the Non-conformin.q Hearing Board: Mayor Keenan commented that the Council held interviews and had difficulties making a decision as all the applicants were highly qualified. He announced that the Council decided to appoint Michael Siu to serve as a Member for the Non-conforming Hearing Board. Approval of Commercial Warrant List for Warrants No. 35614- 35763: At the request of the Mayor, the Finance and Administration Services Director explained the Bank of New York item listed on the warrants. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and seconded by Councilmember McGill to approve Commercial Warrant List for Warrants No, 35614 - 35763 in the amount of $1,557,367.30. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy, Sondhi and Keenan 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None Appointment to the Cypress Cultural Arts Commission: Mayor Keenan announced that the City Council decided to appoint Julian Bloom to the Cypress Cultural Arts Commission. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 25, 1999 Mayor Pro Tern Piercy commented that Mr. Bloom is extremely qualified and well known in the community for his art work and involvement in the arts. RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT MATTERS: The Cypress City Council, Acting as the Ex Officio Governing Board of Directors. None were presented. CYPRESS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MATTERS: The Cypress City Council Acting as the Cypress Redevelopment Agency. RECESS: The Mayor recessed the meeting at 8:50 p.m., to enable the City Council to act as the Cypress Redevelopment Agency. The meeting reconvened at 9:05 p.m., with all Councilmembers present. REPORT BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE ON COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: Councilmember McCoy reported that Councilmember McGill, City Manager Ochenduszko and he attended a Special Fire Authority Meeting wherein the Equity Study was discussed. He indicated that he presented the position taken by Council at the January 11, 1999 Council Meeting, which was to oppose the implementation of "equity adjustments" within the Orange County Fire Authority. He announced that there was another meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 28, 1999, and would report back at the next Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Piercy reported that she attended The California Association of Sanitary Agencies Conference and indicated that it was very interesting. Councilmember Sondhi reported that she and Mayor Pro Tem Piercy attended The Orange Regional Airport Authority Meeting on January 11. She indicated that Council adopted, under the consent calendar, the amended OCRAA Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement and a Resolution supporting the El Toro Flight Demonstration. She announced that the next meeting is scheduled for February and she would report back on what transpires. Mayor Keenan reported that: Council held a Joint Meeting with the Skatepark Task Force Subcommittee to discuss possible sites for a skatepark. He indicated that letters from citizens have been received asking the City not to locate a skatepark near their houses. The Mayor said that all input received is being taken seriously. Councilmember Sondhi, Mayor Pro Tem Piercy, City Manager Ochenduszko and he attended the Orange County League of Cities monthly meeting wherein important issues were discussed, such as the Orange County Water. He met with the Lincoln Avenue Association Sub-Committee and discussed some of the results of a survey they conducted along businesses on Lincoln Avenue. He attended the West Orange County Cities Association Meeting with the City Manager. There was a presentation on the Westminster water tank failure and there were some important lessons on how to handle an emergency response. The Mayor also informed that City Manager Ochenduszko, at that meeting, presented his research regarding Proposition 13, as it relates to the Fire Authority Equity Study. · He attended an OCTA Board Meeting wherein they acted on the Financial and Environmental Analysis for potential urban rail. He attended a League of California Cities Policy Committee Meeting on transportation and communication, which discussed the area code split that affects the City of Cypress. 10 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 25, 1999 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: For Matters Not on the Agenda. Allen Crowder spoke about property on the south side of Lincoln Avenue being in the City of Buena Park. The Public Works Director indicated that the apartment building at the corner of Holder and Lincoln is in the City of Buena Park. Mayor Pro Tem Piercy, for the benefit of the community, asked if there was a problem preventing the completion of the fencing at Nature Park. Mr. Christoffels indicated that the weather has not permitted the completion of the fence. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: For Matters Not on the Agenda. No items were presented. ADJOURNMENT: The Mayor adjourned the Meeting at 9:17 p.m., to Monday, February 1, 1999, for a Fiscal Year 1998-99 Mid-Year Budget Review Workshop, 5:30 p.m., Executive Conference Room, West Wing of the Cypress City Hall, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress. MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS ATTEST: CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS 11