Laguna Hills Watch Dog 9-8-09

Laguna Hills WATCH DOG - September 8, 2009
Listening to the Laguna Hills City Council
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Laguna Hills City Council refuses to video tape their City Council Meetings so there has been no opportunity for citizens to learn how the actions of the city council affect their lives without attending all the meetings, until now. After 5 years of attending these meetings, we tape record and report the facts from these meetings to educate residents and ourselves and we keep our editorial comments separate from the facts. Anyone can receive these free e-mail reports by going to http://www.socoanimalshelter.org/ , and signing up with name, e-mail address, city and entering the words "Watch Dog" in the comments section.
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FEATURES:
** Public Comments - 3 people from the Bella Tierra Community re. status of on street parking permits there.
** LHHS Student Liaison Report - New LHHS Liaison for fall 2009 semester
** Consent Calendar - We have documents confirming that the 8/25/09 Warrant Register item - a $50,000 Toyota, is another benefit for the City Manager, in addition to his $233,592 salary, $32,000 bonus.
Item 4.3 - 2009 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) of $24,565 to use in support of the Sheriff's Services.
Item 4.4 - 13 Annual Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 19
Item 4.6 Laguna Hill's response to the Orange County Grand Jury's Report "Paper Water-Does OC have a Reliable Future?" is a blanket statement of "Disagree".
Item 4.8 Consulting Services Agreement for Planning and Housing Services with GRC Assoc.
** Items removed from Consent Calendar - Only one item was pulled from the consent calendar because it contained a payment to a client of City Council Member Craig Scott. Scott was not allowed to vote on that item.
** Planning Agency Report - Request for approval of tentative parcel map for the purpose of creating condo. ownership of office space to allow for conversion from General Office to Medical Office Space - Council Member Songstad's client involved in this so Songstad not allowed to vote.
** Administrative Reports -
** City Attorney's Report - A Transient Occupancy Tax collection measure change related to the city's collection of fees from hotels for rented rooms.
** Matters Presented by Mayor & City Council Members - 73 Toll Rd. to close for re- paving. Puppy Mill Bill, AB-241 passed the Assembly and SB-250 the Pet Responsibility Act waiting for a final vote.
** Crime Watch Laguna Hills Report - see it in the Orange County Register Newspaper

** Information, Questions, Concerns and Comments from Watch Dog Readers -

**Big problems with the New Oso Pkwy Landscape Project?

**For All Laguna Hills Pet Owners-Keep the County Dogcatcher away from your door by licensing your dog with amnesty on Oct. 3.
* Orange County Register Newspaper - News Articles with blogs

* How to Support the Adopted 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Division

* City Council Members Say the Darndest Things in Public - Memorable Quotes from City Council Members

* How to contact the Laguna Hills City Council ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us phone: 949-707-2610 fax: 949-707-2614
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09/08/09 Laguna Hills City Council Meeting
All city council members were present.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS - Jim Bresnan, Adam and Mac from the Bella Tierra Community in Laguna Hills, reported that 26 street parking permits were issued to residents of the community from the city but largely are not being used now due to the downturn in the economy. They added that they are keeping up with trash collection in the area and otherwise assisting the neighbors to be sure that all goes well with neighbors in the area related to the on street parking.

LHHS Student Liaison Report - from Lisa Mc Corkell - This Thursday Sept 10th school starts. Cross Country Invitational is this Saturday from 8 to 4:00. Golf, football, volleyball, tennis etc. all start this week. 1st school play will be presented on Sept. 17 - 19 entitled " The Spelling Bee". LHHS Library will only be open Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday now due to budget cutbacks. 2 new guidance counselors, and a new administrator.

Consent Calendar *(The Consent Calendar consists of multiple items on which the city council votes as a whole unless an item is pulled for individual consideration)

The Warrant Register for 9/8/09 was $146,764.27.

At a time when many OC cities have announced furloughs for city employees to bridge budget gaps, last month, the Laguna Hills taxpayers purchased a 2010 Toyota Sequoia at a price of $50,000 for City Manager, Bruce Channing. Taxpayers are also responsible for all operating costs for the car including insurance, maintenance, repair and gasoline. Channing is allowed unrestricted personal use of the automobile when not engaged in city business subject to appropriate IRS requirements. This is in addition to the his 7/8/08 salary of $233,592.00 per year and his max. performance bonus of $23,000 plus and additional 10 days of paid vacation or cash instead of vacation which reportedly amounts to an additional $9,000 = $32,000.00. 4 members of the city council voted for his bonus in 2008, only City Council Member Melody Carruth voted NO. The city refuses to reveal the "8 mysterious goals" it says earned Channing a "Performance Bonus". City Council Member Craig Scott has been negotiating the city manager's salary and bonus package every 6 months.

Item 4.3 - City Received a 2009 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) of $24,565 to use in support of the Sheriff's Services. The Laguna Hills Police Services identified 2 projects for this money. 1) is the improvement of communication between Field Operations Personnel and City Staff in times of disaster through the purchase of hand held radios and chargers. 2) is mandatory training for Field Operations Personnel in continued education and professional development.

Item 4.4 - 13th Annual Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 19 8 AM to 12 noon - meet at the Community Center (25555 Alicia Pkwy-across the street from Ralph's supermarket). Last year 47 volunteers in Laguna Hills worked on creek areas, etc. picking up trash and the city gave $750 to the non-profit group Trails4All for supplies.

Item 4.6 Laguna Hill's response to the Orange County Grand Jury's Report "Paper Water-Does OC have a Reliable Future?" The Grand Jury evaluated drinking water supply sources and plans for an adequate drinking water supply for the remainder of the build-out of the County and public awareness of the "precarious" nature of our drinking water supply. Go to www.ocgrandjury.org/ to see the 06/09 complete report. The Grand Jury requires the city to respond to the Grand Jury Findings which were:
1. There is inadequate coordination between local land use planning agencies and local water supply agencies resulting in a process that fails to fully engage the issues.
a) Water Agencies have tended to avoid participating in growth management discussions.
b) Cities in the County have tended to not critically evaluate the limitations of water agencies supply projections.
2. California's looming water supply crisis receives little if any attention from the public compared with other environmental issues.
a) OC Citizens do not appear to grasp the seriousness of the water supply situation or complexity and urgency of necessary solutions.
b) Several recent substantial water supply awareness efforts (ex. OC Water Summit) are underway that show promise but appear targeted to audiences that are already informed.

Recommendation of OC Grand Jury - Each OC Municipal Plan Agency in cooperation with its respective water supply agency should prepare for adoption by it's City Council a Dedicated Water Element to add to its General Plan by June 30, 2010
It also stated - OC is uniquely fortunate to have a vast high quality well managed ground water basin serving the North County area but in the South it has an equally large high growth area with virtually no available ground water resources. This creates a "have vs. have not" situation that is conducive to inherent conflicts.
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The City of Laguna Hills issued a blanket "Disagree" with each of the 2 Findings of the Orange County Grand Jury to which it was asked to respond and stated Laguna Hills General Plan 2009 is comprehensive and it would be inappropriate to have a stand alone water element. Water already is addressed in several elements of the General Plan. It is convenient for the city to use the standard answer "We are built out, so no problem". What is not addressed is how much water Laguna Hills Residents will lose if the build out of South OC continues and there is no plan for additional water resources.

Item 4.8 Consulting Services Agreement for Planning and Housing Services with GRC Assoc. - For the city to receive $302,184 in a Community Development Block Grant Fund from the County of Orange it must extend the terms of the contract for an additional 6 months. In addition the Laguna Hills Staff is paying GRC Associates in Covina, CA. $52,000 to assist with the implementation of these funds.

All Consent Calendar items were passed.

Items Removed from the Consent Calendar - Only one item # 4.2 (the Warrant Register) was pulled from the consent calendar because it contained a payment to a client of City Council Member Craig Scott. Craig Scott could not vote on this item because a client of his was involved. There was no public discussion of the consent calendar items we listed above for you.

Planning Agency Issues and Public Hearing - Dave Ball, Senior VP of Development with CT Realty Corporation, representing the owner of a building at 23141 Moulton Pkwy, is requesting approval of a tentative parcel map for the purpose of creating condo. ownership of office space to allow for conversion from General Office to Medical Office on property with a Mixed Use District. He also is asking to modify existing easements between this property and adjoining properties that share driveways and access including the Lake Hills Community Church Property.
Public Hearing Comments - Vern Jones Community Development Director explained the issue and Mr. Dave Ball from CT Realty Corp. spoke in favor of this item.
This was passed 4-0 - City Council Member Allan Songstad could not vote on this matter because it involved a client of his.

Administrative Reports

City Attorney, Greg Simonian - Proposal that the city amend its Transient Occupancy Tax ordinance (Hotel Visitor's Tax). Hotel operators are required to collect 10% of the room rate charged and remit that amount to the city. If Hotel operators fail to remit the appropriate tax amount this change allows the city to issue a tax assessment which then must be paid by the Hotel to the city prior to seeking judicial review of the assessment of such a tax. Pay first-litigate later. This introduction of the first reading of the proposed TOT code ordinance change passed 5-0

Matters Presented by Mayor & City Council Members

Mayor Joel Lautenschleger - stated that he has seen signs around the area about the 73 toll road being closed, so he called Cal Trans and learned it would be closed mostly at night for re paving. He also reminded everyone about the 13th Annual Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday Sept. 19, 8 AM to 12 noon.
City Council Member Melody Carruth - Noted that the Puppy Mill Bill, AB-241 passed the Assembly and is on to the Governor's office. SB-250 the Pet Responsibility Act is still waiting for a final vote in the Assembly.
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Information, Questions, Concerns and Comments from Watch Dog Readers
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Big problems with the Oso Pkwy Landscape Project?
Part of my walk tonight took me on the new "landscaped" pathway along the South side of Oso Parkway between Moulton and Nellie Gail Road. It has been several weeks since I walked this part of the pathway and was horrified at what I saw. Many areas are dying from lack of water and others were over watered. The weeds were thicker in parts than the new landscaped plants. The area looked terrible! If I remember correctly, I think the city paid over $1.6M for this work along Oso and it has not been maintained. From our experience with the Aliso Hills landscape project having to be monitored by citizens and now this, it appears that this is the way our city manages projects? Doesn’t someone from the city check to see if the area is being maintained correctly? Who is responsible for the follow-up here? Mike Bland
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For all Laguna Hills Pet Owners - On Saturday Oct. 3 from 9AM to 1PM at the Community Center (25555 Alicia Pkwy-across the street from Ralph's supermarket) the County Shelter's low cost vaccination and micro chip identification program for all pets is the first step of the license amnesty program for Laguna Hills citizens. Per the City of Laguna Hills flyer :
Dog License - $24 for neutered or spayed dogs. and $100 for unaltered dogs - No fines or additional fees at this clinic for dogs that citizens have failed to previously license.
Vaccines for Dogs and Cats:
DHPP (DA2PP) - $14 Rabies - $6 Bordetella - $11 FVRCP - $14
Identification Microchips: - AVID Micro-chips - $28
All services are on a 1st come 1st serve basis. All dogs must be on collars or harnesses with leashes. Cats must be in carriers. Pet owners must be at least 18 years old and Method of payment is CASH ONLY for vaccines and micro-chip IDs.
**Checks are accepted for Dog Licensing Only.
*(If your pet has already been vaccinated, check with your Veterinarian to see if your pet needs additional vaccines.)
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How about that "City Views" newsletter we just got the high gloss (high cost) activity guide, seems way over the top what is cost per distribution?/
Why is the no advertising in it from business to offset cost and bring to all citizens and actually make people spend more money in city?????
Fees for “Community” classes seem very high many can't participate for that reason. Is there any senior citizen pricing? Should be and/or there should be waiver for fees for hardship ?
TOYOTA ????????????? for who and for what purpose seems bad when you can get a Hyundai with longer warranty for half that money….. Mr. C - Laguna Hills resident
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Laguna Hills Crime Watch =======================================================================

Laguna Hills Crime Watch for the past 3 weeks go to: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/police-crime-blotter-2087713-arrest-burglary?City=Laguna Hills

Laguna Hills Crime, What's Happening in your Neighborhood by Alejandra Molina, Reporter, Orange County Register. Keep up with crime in Laguna Hills, where it's happening and how it might affect you. This column is continuously updated. ======================================================================

OC Register News Stories and blogs =======================================================================

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-million-budget-2473902-year-positions
Laguna Hills makes cuts to two-year budget

Remember to visit the page http://www.ocregister.com/share/forums/?plckForumPage=Forum&plckForumId=Cat%3a88a27b8e-242d-45ba-ad5a-93816e9e4444Forum%3ad42b7afa-4130-45cc-bdce-d4d05b8756c9&plckNumPerPage=200&plckCategoryCurrentPage=0 when you've got something to share with the community.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/survey-city-respondents-2366204-hills-percent - Laguna Hills a good place to live, survey says

Laguna Hills Report Recommends Pet License Outreach. It also says shelters aren't crowded enough for spay, neuter program.http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-dogs-laguna-2281407-hills-report Laguna Hills City manager gets $23,000 bonus over objectionshttp://www.ocregister.com/articles/bonus-council-channing-2253011-scott-city Senior Center in Laguna Hills Suffers financially - Officials of the nonprofit are angry that the city has never provided money, despite the services provided to its residents. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/senior-center-services-2216444-county-south
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How to Support the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine DivisionResidents and businesses interested may contact the City of Laguna Hills at (949)707-2680. Please contact Debra Allen at (949) 632-8395 or via the Committee’s email at darkhorse92653@cox.net for more information about the Laguna Hills 3/5 Adoption Committee, donations and providing support for the Marines, Sailors and families of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines ========================================================================= Laguna Hills City Council Members Say the Darndest Things in Public =========================================================================
Dec. 4, 2008 - LHCC Member - Craig Scott stated ".... based on what is recited here I think it is fair comment to say that Nellie Gail was not remarkable. "We did some research on this issue and if that's the best we can do, a school teacher, 2 daughters and ran the ranch until turning it over to her children, I submit that's not necessarily remarkable."
Really, Well, Mr. Scott, would you say you are a "remarkable" city council member?
***Craig Scott is talking about Nellie Gail Moulton (1878-1972) who was born in Irving, KS on Dec. 8, 1878. Nellie Gail spent her childhood in Nebraska and came to California with her family in 1893. Upon receiving her teaching credentials, she taught school in the state of Washington near Seattle at the turn of the century. On one of her summer trips to visit her family in southern California she met Lewis Moulton whom she married in 1908. The couple settled on a ranch of 22,000 acres. When her husband died she ran the 22,000 acre ranch while raising 2 daughters. She was also a school teacher, and an artist. Most of her paintings appear to have been done in and around Laguna Beach. Nellie Gail Ranch, in Laguna Hills, is named for her.

June 10, 2008 - LHCC Member - Mayor Allan Songstad said - "We have to go through a bidding process and sometimes the low bidder is not always the best contractor, but sometimes that's what we're stuck with."
Thank you Mr. Songstad, that is exactly what we have been trying to tell you about the Laguna Hills City Council "sticking us" with the same bad vendor - The Orange County Animal Shelter for the past 18 years.

On May 27, 2008 - LHCC Member Craig Scott stated, "I am on the toll road every day and I don't want the tolls to go down, I want them to stay where they are or go higher and I'm ready to pay that price and I'd prefer NOT to have others do the same."
Are there any volunteers willing to support a resolution proclaiming that the 73 Toll Road be set aside for the Exclusive Use of Laguna Hills City Council Member Craig Scott until such time that this pesky congestion problem caused by less entitled people, like the rest of us, is brought under control? OR - maybe people would like to e-mail Mr. Scott at ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us to encourage him to broaden his perspective. He has been a Laguna Hills City Council Member for 18 years)

March 11, 2008 - Don White, Assist. City Manager stated Laguna Hills rejected a proposal from Mission Viejo to share their animal shelter in 2005 due to increased expense and "unknown and serious contractual problems that exposed the city's budget to unknown and uncontrollable cost increases and expenditures".
So, Don if the contractual problems are "unknown" how do you know they are serious and uncontrollable? Laguna Niguel has had the same contract that was presented to Laguna Hills with the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter for more than 10 years and in 2008 Aliso Viejo joined the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter so none of this has been a problem for them?

October 25, 2005 - Mayor Allan Songstad, speaking about the Laguna Hills City Council said, "When you've been doing business in a certain way for 13 years you're not likely to change that." So true, Allan, so unfortunately true.