ccwc
committed

Concerned Citizens
For A
Better West Covina

Community Issues

Keep Council Broadcasts

 Why pull the plug? What price do you put on transparent government?
Unfortunately the West Covina Council decided that the cost of broadcasting City Council meetings over public access cable TV and the Internet is too costly. The Council voted 4-0 to stop the televising of the Council meeting. There are a few resident who disagree with this assessment. There are many seniors and others who think that open government is a part of democracy and that televised City Council meeting guaranties this transparency and openness (more)

 

 

Security at West Covina City Hall

Mr. Fredrick Sykes’ vehicle was damaged in a hit and run incident in the City Hall parking lot. There appears to be a lack of security in and around City Hall. The SGV Tribune reported this incident after Mr. Sykes addressed the issue of security in and around City Hall. It appears that the SGV Tribune chose Mr. Lloyd Johnson as the official spokes-person for the City Council. Mr. Johnson as spokes-person did what is typical of this City Council, find fault with residents addressing the issue.

The SGV Tribune did not provide Mr. Sykes a chance to rebut Mr. Johnson. CCWC has therefore provided Mr. Sykes a venue to rebut Mr. Johnson. . (see rebuttal by clinking on link below)

(rebuttal)

 

Shadow Oak Park

Development of lower 10 acres.
Shadow Oak Park is part of the master plan approved in 1970 by the City in Planned Community
District 1 (PCD1). The development of the lower 10 acres was approved in 1979.
This approved plan for development calls for the area to be a picnic and open landscape area for residents and families. The City had money to develop the park from the business license fee applied to the BKK Landfill business. This fee generated more than $30 million dollars during the operating life of the landfill. Past City Councils diverted this income which included dedicated funds for the development of the park to the City’s operating budget starting in 1979.

Mayor commits to park development.
Mayor Touhey promises the community that work will begin on the lower 10 acres of Shadow Oak Park by July 2007.  Now the city has finally promised to move forward with $1.5 million from the general fund to do a ‘phase1’ like at ‘Cortez Park. There will be no restroom, paved parking lot, picnic tables, 10 less parking spaces, et al at this time.

History of City Council action.
Although the council has indicated that it did not intend to sell the park, the history report provided to the Council suggests otherwise.   (details)

BKK Land Fill
West Covina-A developer known for building shopping centers is buying nearly four acres of non-graded land at the former BKK Landfill for more than $1 million. Hernandez said he was concerned the city was jumping the gun on the sale in order to "help out" a developer. He would have preferred the land had gone out to bid, or at least that Arman Gabaee, the owner of Charles Co., had a specific plan for the site.  (details)

Big League Dreams (BLD)
The actions of the City Council and their attempts to rationalize and justify Big League Dream baseball park is going to saddle the taxpayers with an unbelievable amount of debt for the next 30 years, forcing cuts in public services and safety, and increasing the tax load on the people of West Covina. The question is; “why was the Council afraid to let the people they represent vote on this development?”.

Graffiti Removal Contract
Urban Graffiti vs Superior Property Service Inc.  (details)

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                      AGENDA ITEM No. H-1

    TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager and City Council

    FROM: Artie A. Fields, Assistant City Manager

    • SUBJECT: REQUEST FROM COUNCILMEMBER HERFERT ON HISTORY OF THE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOWER PLATEAU AT SHADOW OAK PARK 

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this informational report.

DISCUSSION:

At the November 21, 2006, City Council meeting, Councilmember Steve Herfert requested a summary of the actions taken by the City Council as it relates to the possible development of the lower plateau of Shadow Oak Park and the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The summary minutes of the discussions the actions is as follows with the actual minutes attached:

        • December 7, 2004
        • City Council Follow-up on Budget Regarding Potential Sale of Undeveloped Portion of Shadow Oak Park
        • Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Sanderson directing staff to come up with potential plans for a hybrid development to encompass both housing and programs along with comparison of strictly 100% programs and to schedule community meetings to receive input.
        • Motion carried 4-0. (Attachment #1).
        • March 1, 2005
        • City Council Follow-up on Budget Regarding Potential Sale of Undeveloped Portion of Shadow Oak Park
        • Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to move forward with sale of property at Shadow Oak Park, potentially to the Redevelopment Agency for a housing project. 
        • Amendment to motion offered by Hernandez to initiate an RFP for a hybrid development to include both housing and a park component. Herfert, as the maker of the motion accepted the amendment and requested to also include community involvement.
        • Motion carried 4-1 with Miller voting no. (Attachment #2).
        • April 5, 2005
        • City Council Meeting to Approve RFP for Development of A 10-Acre Site for the Development of Housing and Public Park
        • Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Herfert to proceed with the proposed RFP and timeline and to include community meetings before Council approves final plan.
        • Mayor Pro Tem Wong offered an amendment to hold a community meeting and invite developers to hear input from residents prior to developing a proposal. Hernandez accepts the amendment. Council member Herfert supports community input to submitted proposals and withdraws his second.
        • Action Mayor Pro Tem Wong seconds amended motion.
           
        • Motion carried 3-2 with Herfert and Miller voting no. (Attachment #3)
        • January 17, 2006
        • City Council Meeting to Authorize City Staff to Send Written Offer Letters to Public Entities for the Purchase of a Portion of Shadow Oak Park
        • City Manager Pasmant stated previous direction of Council was to solicit proposals to sell and possibly develop the undeveloped area, but before proposals can be brought back before Council and the public for review, the City must meet requirements of the Government Code by giving an opportunity to public agencies to submit letters of interest or proposals.
        • Motion by Hernandez to disapprove this item. Motion failed by lack of second.
        • Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to instruct staff to send written offer letters for the purchase of the lower portion of Shadow Oak Park to public entities required by Government Code § 54222.
        • Motion carried 4-1 with Hernandez voting no. (Attachment #4).
        • May 2, 2006
        • Closed Session Meeting (Conference with Real Property Negotiators) — Properties located at 2121 East Shadow Oak
        • City Attorney Reported out of Closed Session the following: A briefing was provided to Council on the property, there was no final action taken and nothing further to report. 
        • Present: Herfert, Hernandez, Lane, and Sanderson. Not Present: Touhey. (Attachment #5).
        • August 15, 2006
        • City Council Update on Negotiations with Rowland Unified School District for Possible Acquisition of Shadow Oak Park
        • Due to the expiration of the 60-day discussion period regarding the property and opposition to sell the property by residents, Councilmember Hernández made a motion to abandon any discussions and/or sale of the parkland. Motion died for a lack of second.
        • Motion by Hernández and seconded by Sanderson to direct staff to communicate to Rowland Unified School District the status of the property.
        • Motion carried 3-0. Herfert absent and Touhey did not participate. (Attachment #6).
        • September 19, 2006
        • Closed Session Meeting (Conference with Real Property Negotiators) — Properties located at 2121 East Shadow Oak Conference with Real Property Negotiators, 2121 East Shadow Oak Drive
        • City Attorney Reported out of Closed Session the following: The City Council unanimously approved the termination of negotiations with Rowland Unified School District and negotiations for the sale of property and future development of the property. The proposed project by any potential developer has been terminated.
        • Present: Herfert, Hernandez, Lane, Sanderson, and Touhey. (Attachment #7).
        • .

FISCAL IMPACT: None.

Prepared by:    Approved by:

Chris Freeland    Artie A. Fields

Assistant to the City Manager  Assistant City Manager 

 

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GRAFFITI ABATEMENT AWARD OF BID

  • The City’s graffiti abatement With Urban Graffiti Expired on Oct. 20,2006. The contract was for
    an amount of $20 per site, not to exceed $8000 per month ($96000 annually).
    Request for Proposals (RFP) were sent to sixteen graffiti abatement services providers on Oct.
    5, 2006. A mandatory bidders conference was held on Oct. 17, 2006 with six interested vendors
    in attendance. Superior Property Inc. was the only bid received of the sixteen vendors. The bid
    amount was on a per site basis, with the cost split between public property ($9.56 per site, not to
    exceed $10,200 per month) and private property ($14.25 per site, not to exceed $1,140 monthly).
    The bid amount is not to exceed a total cost of $11,340 per month for the first year with a 3.5%
    annual cost of living increase thereafter (annual cost of $135,080 the first year, $140,842 the
     second year, $145,772 the third year). 

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Rebuttal SVG Tribune 29 Dec. 07

Hello Ms. Hewitt and SGV Tribune News,

I am concerned and curious as to how Mr. Lloyd Johnson got into a news story about the safety and security at West Covina City Hall. I see where he indicates that he has always been concerned regarding this issue. So why is he just making his concerns known at this time? By looking at what he said in the article, I AM his security concerns. He has completely overlooked the fact that most Police Officers in uniform have guns that are clearly visible on their strong arm side. A weapon is less accessible to a member of the public when it is concealed.  Police officers in uniform are primary targets for the people who have mean intentions or when a person is acting with an aberrant mindset and/or a mental disorder. He, Mr. Johnson, failed to mention any other specifics beyond what his thoughts were about me and my personal business.

Mr. Lloyd Johnson focused on the fact that as a retired L.A. County Deputy Sheriff and being in good standing with the Sheriff’s Department, I have a concealed weapon permit. Most of the time when he sees me, he thinks I am carrying a concealed firearm. He and his associates are trying to take away my concealed weapon permit. I view this as an attack on me. That is why I advised the City Council and the citizens of West Covina about our lack of security around our City Hall. Mr. Johnson made no mention of the intimidation factor that is posed by the lack of security. And there was nothing said about how to stop the intimidation tactics perpetrated by him and his associates in and around our City Hall against people that are adverse to his point of view. With this statement he is doing the dirty work/activity for someone or group. Where are his credentials, public safety record and or experience? How and why would he even be mentioned in a credible article about West Covina City Hall public safety, other than for his consistent negative political activity?

He failed to mention all the positive things that have been done by, both assigned and retired, Peace Officers who carry concealed weapons in our society. I have accommodations for doing things when I was carrying my weapon concealed. I am certain that I am not the only person who has conducted business in and around City Hall while carrying a concealed weapon. I have a history of being a positive member of society. I have risked my life for public safety for more than 35 years. No matter where I am, should something come to pass that is life threatening and adverse to public safety I stay ready to address the situation.

Fredrick Sykes 

 

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WEST COVINA - A developer known for building shopping centers is buying nearly four acres of non-graded land at the former BKK Landfill for more than $1 million.

The City Council voted 3-1 to sell the development pads to the Charles Co.,even though there are no plans for it yet beyond it being "office-commercial retail."

Councilman Roger Hernandez cast the dissenting vote and Councilman Mike Touhey abstained because the Charles Co. is a client of Touhey's consulting firm.

"My contract with \ forbids me to work in West Covina," Touhey said. "I'm only allowed to work outside the city by contract. ... I'm not allowed to lobby."

City staff said the land was being sold without plans because the developer was in "dire need to meet a 60-day deadline for a 1031 tax deferred exchange."

The exchange, commonly called the Starker exchange, allows a buyer to use the money made from the sale of an investment to buy similar property without being taxed on the sale.

Along with the $1.1 million land sale, the Charles Co. will invest more than $4 million for infrastructure improvements staff members said the city would otherwise incur.

Hernandez said he was concerned the city was jumping the gun on the sale in order to "help out" a developer. He would have preferred the land went out to bid, or at least that Arman Gabaee, the owner of Charles Co., had a specific plan for the site.

"I think the residents deserve a plan," Hernandez said." There could be a whole slew of things that can fall under commercial retail."

But Mayor Steve Herfert said he supported the sale because it makes the city money to the tune of $5.3 million.

"I don't think any of us are looking to help a developer out," Herfert said.

Resident John Scheuplein charged the city was quickly selling the land to appease Touhey's client and contended the councilman has touted the power to swing votes in the past.

The Charles Co. is required to have a specific plan for the site turned in to the city in 90 days. Construction is required to start within two years of the sale, and must be complete within 14 months of the beginning of construction.

These pads were to have plans that compliment the golf course, not just "retail/office" uses. These have a very good view of the surrounding area. This certainly has all the characteristics of a duck and is really a big duck. By the way, what City or community purpose was served by this action. It is for the sole tax benefit of the Charles Company.

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The CCWC has decided to present the council with a petition requesting that the televised broadcast and Internet access be reinstated. It is up to you the residents of West Covina to make your voices heard. CCWC is asking you to please sign the petition circulated in you neighborhood and let your councilman know how you feel.

  • Why pull the plug?
  • At a West Covina City Council meeting in June, the council voted 4-0 to stop the televising of the City Council meetings. The council stated that because of the large deficit the City Council telecasts had to be dropped.
  • A survey was made of which nearby cities televised their council meeting on cable TV. The survey results are as follows: Yes: Azusa, Duarte (delayed tape), Chino, Chino Hills, Pomona, Monrovia, Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora, Walnut, San Dimas, Diamond Bar, Ontario, Upland and El Monte NO: Baldwin Park, La Verne, La Puente and now West Covina.
  • It should be noted that the cities of Azusa, Claremont, San Dimas and Walnut have a population of one-third of West Covina and much smaller budgets. In these cities, their councils believe it is informative for the public to have their council meetings telecast.
  • The Glendora Unified School District televises its meeting on a delayed tape and has a staff member tape the meetings. One former board member said the cost is very, very little.
  • In West Covina, telecasting their council meetings has had probably more impact than any other media on influencing the public. Also, satellite viewers can watch the meetings through the Internet. The public can judge for themselves the effectiveness of the City Council.
  • Politicians are often fearful of City Council meetings being publicly aired. Viewers can be more critical when they see their council meetings on TV. Subsequently, politicians dislike being scrutinized by the public.
  • While West Covina touts the great success of Big League Dreams, conversely, we are the only city in the area that is canceling telecasting of its City Council meetings.
  • Bruce Leinbach
  • West Covina
  • Meetings on TV
  • Re West Covina not televising council meetings On July 2, residents asked the city to review the 2009-09 budget to find the funds to reinstate the cable broadcasts for the following reasons: Most West Covina seniors don't like to come out at night. They appreciate being able to be in front of their television sets watching the proceedings. Some are disabled and cannot travel to City Hall.
  • The physically handicapped are limited as far as transportation to City Council meetings. The televised meetings may be the only way they learn about how the city is spending their tax dollars and of what is happening in the city.
  • It is also tough for young families. They need to be home in the evenings. The city owes them more than learning a day or two later about a vote that will affect their quality of life.
  • Has the City Council advised the city manager to direct his staff to find alternate ways to provide the cable TV service? Has the council asked the city manager to renegotiate the cost downward with Charter Communications? It seems only right that Charter provide a lower cost, since the council gave them the exclusive contract to provide service to West Covina residents and businesses.
  • Bottom line: Televising City Council meetings means an open government.
  • Shirley Buchanan
  • West Covina
  • Reinstate broadcast
  • I applaud your recent editorial ("Keep Council broadcasts,” July 16, "Our View") about bringing back the broadcasts of the West Covina City Council meetings.
  • The council should find every way possible to have an absolutely open government - broadcasting the city meetings is one way to achieve this.
  • Having the meetings on cable and Internet is the best and most convenient way for residents to observe how the council is operating and making .decisions that affect their lives.
  • There are other ways to trim the deficit without taking away the broadcast. Is the City Council afraid of what the public might hear and see?
  • West Covina residents and taxpayers have the right to know what their government is doing. Broadcasts should be reinstated immediately
  • Dana Sykes
  • West Covina

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