Laguna Hills Watch Dog
Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - November 27, 2012
** Special Announcements - The Vote Counting continues but is very close to completion. Congratulations to Andrew Blount and Dr. Dore Gilbert, who appear to be our 2 new Laguna Hills City Council Members. ** The New Council Members will be seated at the next City Council Meeting on December 11, 2012!
As of 11-23-12 the Vote count for Laguna Hills City Council was:
Andrew Blount - 5,679 - 27.34%
Dr. Dore Gilbert - 4,980- 23.97%
Bill Hunt - 4,857 - 23.38%
Dr. Raghu Mathur - 4,287 - 20.64%
AJ Djowharzdeh - 970 - 4.67%
*** A Point of Interest - We just read, in the Orange County Business Journal, dated Nov. 26, 2012 on page 29 that the redevelopment of the shopping center at La Paz and Moulton in the Aliso Hills area will be named "The Village at Nellie Gail Ranch". We wonder why residents were never told this by the City Council and why name this center, that is clearly not at Nellie Gail Ranch, but appears to be located in Aliso Hills, the Village at Nellie Gail Ranch?
FEATURES DIRECTORY
** Citizen Alerts for future City Council Meetings will be listed on the blog site within 4 days prior to a meeting - Consider attending a meeting that interests you.
** Presentations and Proclamations -
Item 1.1 - LHHS Student Liaison Report - Adam Wong - alternate Amanda Jafee - UC
application deadlines and Finals coming. Story of Anastasia, from the LHHS Drama Dept.
Athletic Boosters Holiday Bazaar and Comedy Sports. Sports Highlights + Annual Dinner
Duel. LHHS Marching Band and Color Guard. Annual Book Drive - Book donations Needed
and Win-Win-Wednesday is El Pollo Loco this week and next week at Ruby's Diner at the
Laguna Hills Mall.
Item 1.2 - Introduction of and Congratulations to the 2012 Citizens' Emergency
Preparedness Academy Graduates
** Public Comments - Report on Thanksgiving Pies for the 3/5 Marine Families
** Consent Calendar - Warrant Register - $893,033.08
** Items of Interest from the Warrant Register - $9,981.25 to the Association of California
Cities Orange County for Membership, Administrative Services for 20123
** Items Pulled from the Warrant Register- $9,981.25 paid to the (ACCOC) Association of
California Cities Orange County for Annual Membership pulled by Council Member
Kogerman
** Items of interest in the Consent Calendar -
Item 4.2 - Landscape Design Services for the La Paz Open Space Project
Item 4.4 - Cooperative Agreements with the OC Transportation Authority for implementation of Traffic Signal Synch. Projects on Oso Pkwy., Los Alisos, Lake Forest Dr. and along Paseo de Valencia
Item 4.5 - Staff Recommendation for Approval of Stop Sign on Linda Flora St. at El Segundo St.
Item 4.7 - City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2011/12 -
Item 4.8 - City Web site Meeting Agenda Access Problems for Residents -
** Items pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion -
Item 4.2 pulled by Council Member Bressette
Item 4.7 pulled by Council Member Kogerman
** Planning Agency/City Council Public Hearings - ITEM 6.1 - Zoning Amendments to the Laguna Hills Municipal Code to allow Emergency Homeless Shelters
**Administrative Reports -
Item 7.1.1 - 2012 City Manager's Year End Report + Editorial-2012 City Manager's Year End Report - The Rest of the Story
Item 7.2.1 - Approval of MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING between the CITY of LAGUNA HILLS and the LAGUNA HILLS CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATIION
Item 7.3.1 - Approving Development Agreement between the City of Laguna Hills and the Laguna Hills Investment Company for the OAKBROOK VILLAGE
Redevelopment Project.
** Matters Agendized and Presented by Council Members and Mayor- None
** City Council Member Comments - Re. Vector Control Rep. from the City
** Closed Session - Item 10.1 - Conference with Real Property Negotiator
** City Council Members Report Card - How did they score?
** Information, Comments, Questions, Concerns from LH Watch Dog Readers from the previous blog post plus Win-Win-Wednesday's Schedule of Restaurants - ABOUT OAKBROOK VILLAGE PROJECT, ABOUT the LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCIL ELECTION and SMEAR CAMPAIGN, ABOUT MAYOR CARRUTH BLAMING KOGERMAN FOR CITY MANAGER'S FAILURE TO RE-NEGOTIATE HIS COMPENSATION, plus Win-Win-Wednesday's Schedule of Restaurants www.winwinwednesdays.com
***You can place comments in the "COMMENTS" section at the bottom of the LHWD blog site report and see comments there from others or you can send your comments to BlandMJ@aol.com Your name won't used in the comments section unless you give permission.
** How to support the 3/5 Adopted Marines adoped by the City of Laguna Hills and Updates - Team Dark Horse says THANK YOU! and is Collecting Donations, and unwrapped Toys and Gifts Until December 5, for an Early Christmas Party for the families of the Deployed Marines. Please see below for Collection Box locations.
** News Stories and Blogs about Laguna Hills - find more in the OC Register online under "City-by-City News" - "Laguna Hills" and in the OC Watchdog
** Crime in Your Neighborhood
** WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - November 27, 2012
All Council Members were present
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See information for WIN-WIN-WEDNESDAYS under INFORMATION, COMMENTS, QUESTIONS and CONCERNS from Watch Dog Readers, Contact Laguna Hills City Council Members at - ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
PRESENTATIONS and PROCLAMATIONS -
Item 1.1 - LHHS Student Liaison Report - Adam Wong - alternate Amanda Jafee - UC applications deadlines coming to an end and Finals deadline coming up. The story of Anastasia, the only survivor of the last Russian Czar is being presented by the LHHS Drama Dept. Friday Nov. 30 through Sat. Dec 1. LHHS Seniors have adapted the story for the stage and are directing the show. Tickets are $10.00 at the door or $8.00 bought in advance. Athletic Boosters Holiday Bazaar is Friday Night Dec. 7 with food and fun for all ages and music from the LHHS Award winning choir. So, you get a belly full of food and for a belly full of laughs as well Comedy Sports is being held at the same time and tickets are $7.00.
SPORTS - Lady Hawks Tennis Team won their 1st CIF game in 14 years. LHHS Varsity Wrestling was voted #1 in Orange County for the 7th year in a row. Adam asked for support for this team in their quest for a 9th consecutive CIF Division Championship at the Annual Dinner Duel with food provided by Whole Foods Market. LHHS Marching Band and Color Guard is heading to Western Band Association Finals today and ranks 5th in the State Division Assoc. The Book Drive runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 7 so bring your adult level book donations to Friends for Books Book Drive and the LHHS ASB Office. Win-Win-Wednesday is El Pollo Loco this week and next week at Ruby's Diner at the Laguna Hills Mall. Be sure to LIKE the facebook page on W-W-Wednesday so you can get the restaurant flyers in your e-mail or go to www.winwinwednesdays.com
Item 1.2 - Introduction of the 2012 Citizens' Emergency Preparedness Academy - Recognizing the 31 Residents who completed the 8 week 2012 Citizens' Emergency Preparedness Academy Course!
Nine of the residents who graduated attended the Council Meeting and were recognized in person, the rest were recognized through their names being read by Lt. Tom Behrens, Chief of Police for Laguna Hills and all were thanked for their participation. Brittany Oldham, Laguna Hills Crime Prevention Specialist, who organizes this entire program and runs it every year also helped develop it with the OC Sheriff's Dept., the OC Fire Authority, So. CA. Edison. the Gas Company, Doctor's Ambulance, and the American Red Cross. Brittany was also present and recognized for her very significant contribution. This program teaches all aspects of Disaster Preparedness and Relief including Search and Rescue, CPR and First Aid, Earthquake Preparedness and much more. It culminates in a very realistic disaster scenario for the participants to work through. Lt. Behrens said the participants strengthen their skills by participating in this program and in so doing strengthen our community. We, at the Laguna Hills Watch Dog participated and graduated from this program, in the past couldn't agree more. The training is very extensive and we found it to be an incredibly valuable experience. It's held at least once every year so we encourage everyone to sign up and there is always a great meal at each meeting in addition to the training!
(** Editor's Note - At the May 22, 2012 Laguna Hills City Council Meeting, Mike Bland, Laguna Hills Resident mentioned that the Aliso Viejo City Council, last week, honored all the people who completed their Emergency Preparedness Classes, gave them plaques, and took a photo with the Mayor. He suggested that might be a good idea to work up enthusiasm for the Emergency Preparedness classes in Laguna Hills. We are glad to see that finally beginning to happen in Laguna Hills.)
PUBLIC COMMENTS - MIke Bland, Chairman of the Team Dark Horse, the support Committee for the 3/5 Marines adopted by the City of Laguna Hills spoke about the Thanksgiving Pies for the Marines that were obtained through the efforts of Teresa Bonutto and Meg Gorham in cooperation with the Win-Win-Wednesday Fundraisers, Community Donations for Pies and Polly's Pies in Laguna Hills. Mike said he was filling in for Teresa Bonutto who could not attend tonight, to report that 60 pies were bought from Polly's Pies through donations from residents in the community and through Win-Win-Wednesday about $200 was earned for Team Dark Horse to support the 3/5 Marines in addition to all the pies being delivered to the families of the deployed Marines by Teresa and her helpers.
**This just in on 11-30-12 - Meg Gorham sent the LH Watch Dog additional information about Pies for the Marines - By collecting donations and purchasing pies during the W-W-Wednesday Event at Polly's Pies, we brought in more than $750 resulting in generous donations to both Laguna Hills High School (LHHS) Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and Team Dark Horse. It's all about building Community and this special Wednesday was a WIN 4 times over!! Polly's Pies sold a ton of pies, W-W-Wed. earned $$ for PTSA, Team Dark Horse earned $$ to support the city's adopted 3/5 Marines, and more than 60 Marine families enjoyed a special Thanksgiving Pie courtesy of the families of Laguna Hills. Talk about a QUAD-WIN!!! www.winwinwednesdays.com
Mike said the Christmas Holiday Party for the 3/5 Marines Families and Children will be held on Dec. 8 at Camp Pendleton for over 300 children. He also thanked Dan Meehan, Community Services Superintendent, for the loan of a bunch of Christmas Decorations for the party. He noted that the deployed 3/5 Marines were in Kuwait at this time. He added that December 5 is the last day for the Christmas Toy Collection for the children of the 3/5 Marines in the collection boxes found around town at:
Laguna Hills City Hall and Community Center,
Total Wine (in LH where the old Circuit City used to be),
Nellie Gail Ranch HOA Club House and Equestrian Center,
Laguna Hills Mall,
Players Sports Tavern (in LH corner of Moulton and Ridge Route)
CONSENT CALENDAR - Warrant Register = $893,033.08
Items of interest from the Warrant Register - $9,981.25 to the Association of California Cities Orange County (ACCOC) for Annual Membership and Administrative Services for 2013
ITEMS of INTEREST from the CONSENT CALENDAR -
Item 4.1 - Approval of the Warrant Register
Item 4.2 - Initiation of the Public Process and Design Services for the La Paz Open Space Project
Staff Recommendation - Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Richard Fisher for the La Paz Open Space Project. This Shopping Center Remodeling Project was Approved on April 24, 2012 including the City's Sale of a Parcel of Land to the Shopping Center, reportedly, to fund the City project to landscape the open space parcel on the North side of La Paz Rd. from Moulton Pkwy to Alameda Ave. The City is has accepted 4 Proposals for that project and Staff Recommends Richard Fisher Associates for the Project Design. The City's Plan is to establish a multi-phase project with a Riparian Corridor with riding and hiking trails, benches and a drinking fountain on City Property. The plan includes low level lighting along the bike trail, native landscaping, a dry creekbed, street trees, screening of "Building D" at the rear of the shopping Ctr. Water features and landscaping complimentary to the Planned Shopping Ctr. FISCAL IMPACT - $139,927.50 (for the project design) to be addressed through a mid-year budget amendment and are reportedly within the budget. The EIR - Environmental Impact Report is reported to result in No new significant adverse effects that were not already examined in the City's 2009 report.
Item 4.3 - Final Progress Payment for Community Center and Sports Complex Playground Renovations and Light Refurbishment and Costeau Park Playground Renovations.
Item 4.4 - Staff Recommendation for Approval of Cooperative Agreements with the OC Transportation Authority for the implementation of Traffic Signal Synch. Projects on Oso Pkwy., Los Alisos and Lake Forest Dr. - City Staff states the OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) has approved grant funding for 4 traffic signal synch. projects: Oso Pkwy, Los Alisos Blvd. and Lake Forest Dr. OCTA will take the lead in retaining consultants and contractors to implement the 3 projects that are multijurisdictional and the City of Laguna Hills will administer the 4th project along Paseo de Valencia. FISCAL IMPACT - The City is required to provide matching funds of $49,275.83 and In-lieu Matches of $46,149.34 = $95,425.17 for the Oso, Los Alisos, and Lake Forest Dr. Projects. The Fiscal Impact for the Paseo de Valencia Project is not provided.
Item 4.5 - Staff Recommendation for Approval of Stop Sign Installation on Linda Flora St. at El Segundo St. - After receiving a request from a resident of the community, Mr. John Misuraca, staff states it determined the sight distance at this intersection was Not adequate for vehicles traveling west along Linda Flora St. turning south onto El Segundo St. The Traffic Commission on 11-14-12 approved city staff's recommendation for a stop sign. Fiscal Impact - $500.
Item 4.6 - Final Progress Payment for Avenida de la Carlota Widening Project for $61,610.97 to Hillcrest Contracting
Item 4.7 - Presentation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2011/12 - Recommendation to receive and file this report. Staff Report States that for 18 years this City has operated with an Audit Committee to oversee the audit process and review the findings. The CPA firm of Moss, Levy and Hartzheim, LLP reportedly rendered an unqualified opinion of the FY 2011-12 financial statements and reported "no deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting that would be considered a material weakness". There is a lengthy online report including a disclaimer from the auditors re. the Introductory and Statistical sections of the report which are reported to be subjective and excluded from the independent auditor's examination.
Item 4.8 - Web site Meeting Agenda Access Issues - Recommendation to receive and file this report. This report confirms that the City has had issues with downtime of its SIRE Technologies meeting agenda tool over weekends and weekdays prior to city council meetings- making it difficult or impossible for residents to find and read agendas prior to council meetings in a timely manner. Report states the City's web site is hosted by A web service provider - "Civica". City web site down dates in 2012 were reported to be Sept. 21-23 (weekend), Oct. 6 - 7 (weekend), Nov. 11. Staff gives a variety of reasons for these interruptions in service.
Items Pulled from the Consent Calendar for Discussion -
Items 4.1 and 4.7 pulled by Council Member Kogerman and Item 4.2 pulled by Council Member Bressette. Vote - The balance of the Consent Calendar was passed 5-0
Item 4.1 - in the Warrant Register pulled by Council Member Kogerman who stated the $9,981.25 paid to the (ACCOC) Association of California Cities Orange County for Annual Membership, Administrative Services for 2013 was entered into the Warrant Register for without any comment from Council Members and she feels especially strongly about this organization and hopes that this will be handled differently in the future. The other council members did not respond to Kogerman's statement and Voted to pass this item 5 - 0
Item 4.7 - Presentation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2011/12 with a Recommendation to receive and file this report was pulled by Council Member Kogerman who asked the following questions of Assistant City Manager Don White:
1. Council Member Kogerman asked Assist. City Manager White to summarize the revenues from all sources in the past fiscal year vs. the costs of our programs and projects.
Assist.
City Manager White responded - A little over $24.1 million ($24,000,000.00) in revenues and $22 million,393 thousand ($22,393,000.00) spent
2. Kogerman asked - Did we have an increase or decrease in the City's Assets?
White responded - Did increase net Assets this year by a little over $1.7 million.
3. Kogerman asked - How did we do with Revenues vs Expenditures?
White responded - Revenues were about 8% over Expenditures
4. Kogerman asked - Are unrestricted Net Assets available to meet the City's ongoing needs?
White responded - A little over $7 million
5. Kogerman asked - Do we have an fund balance increases from the prior fiscal year's balance?
White responded - Overall our fund balance increased by $116 thousand ($116,000.00) but most of that was in special revenue funds that were used for capital projects. Our General Fund balance increased by $405,000.00.
6. Kogerman asked - Re. the Civic Center - A net operating loss of $627,000, what would account for that and how might we improve that situation?
White responded - Civic Center is an Enterprize Fund so used a proprietary funding accounting similar to what is seen in the private sector. In the private sector they use depreciation to lower the tax burden, because we have the same rules we also have to use depreciation which amounted to $696,000.00 but we are not taxed on our operation here. So if you were to take out the depreciation our operating income was about $70,000.00. This includes all the City's Occupancy costs, what we can contra revenue, if we were paying rent we would be paying about $608,000.00 so instead of looking at it as a net operating loss I look at it as a positive general fund impact closer to $700,000.00.
7. Kogerman asked - Under the General Fund Budgetary Highlights appears that Revenues are about 8% below our expectations, any feeling of what this will look like in 2012-13 Fiscal Year will look like?
White responded - Overall our revenues from back in 2006-2007 are down, the last fiscal year about 15%. This fiscal year we expect to climb out of that trough, all indications are that sales tax revenues are up and in addition we will be getting a boost of about 8 to 10% expected from the Ashley Furniture site. So that coupled with the improvement in our fund balance after closing an escrow in Sept. on a site that added close to $3,000,000 to our fund balance.
8. Kogerman asked - About Future Liabilities for unused sick and vacation leave,unfunded pension liabilities, can you tell us what our long term liability looks like for compensated absences, unused leave, etc. that can be cashed out to retirements?
White responded - Total Unfunded Long Term liability for cash-outs is about $344,000.00 and is there to be delt with in the future and would only become a liability if all the employees leave at once. $589,913.00 is Unfunded Pension Liability. We pay $60,000 to $90,000 a year that will be paid off in 2021. Could consider paying that off earlier possibly at the end of this fiscal year to save money and that will be discussed in the next operating budget. That would save $85,000 annually of the Operating Budget. Our financial health is sound.
Vote - Item 4.7 Passeed 5-0.
Item 4.2 - Initiation of the Public Process and Design Services for the La Paz Open Space Project. Staff Recommendation - Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Richard Fisher for the La Paz Open Space Project was pulled by Council Member Bressette.
Council Member Bressette began by stating this item should never have been placed on the Consent Calendar. He added that the concept design that is presented as a model in front of us tonight is over enhanced already so should not be the starting point for an "open space" project. He also objected to what he said was the predicted annual maintenance fee for this design of $37,800 a year and stressed that the residents did not want anything to do with an active use of this area, they wanted it to be passive.
(**Editor's Note - What the residents of that area actually said about the Moulton/La Paz area redevelopment project at the Study Session/City Council Meeting of Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - Mr. John Bridges, the city planning consultant noted that the majority of the public and the GPAC (General Plan Advisory Committee = 18 members chosen by the city council) favored the expansion of the shopping center as long as it did not grow significantly in height so as to block the views of neighboring homes and they favored passive use of the open space with additional parking there near the shopping area. Mr Bridges noted that the Public was against having recreations fields in the open space and many citizens spoke out against active sports fields there.)
(**Editor's Note - To summarize this overly lengthy discussion, we believe Council Member Bressette was concerned that the conceptual rendering of the landscape design for the La Paz Open Space was not a proper representation of what he thought should be an open space design similar to the South side of Oso Pkwy. Bressette said that the design shown here was more of a "park like" design with excess landscaping, including some landscape lighting along trails and some drinking fountains. He expressed it was his understanding that this was the concept design that was to be presented to residents for their input but is not appropriate for that purpose because of it being too "park like" and therefore more expensive than needed at a time when he wanted to be sure the money from the City's sale of the 4 acre parcel of land at the corner of La Paz and Moulton to the developer, that is to be used for this landscape, will be enough to continue to landscape this area along La Paz going East beyond this 9 acres that borders what will be the remodeled shopping area. He said this landscape design shown here was not discussed with council prior to placing it in the Consent Calendar for approval and should have been.
Council Member Songstad argued that this is the way it has always been done and appeared to have missed Bressette's main point which appeared to us to be similar to showing children a fully decorated Christmas tree then asking if they would like it better without the lights and with less decorations.
This discussion continued for at least an hour, appeared to lack focus, became very repetitive, and can be heard online, so we have skipped to the end that was thankfully aided by City Attorney Greg Simonian due to an additional complication of Council Member Lautenschleger having to be recused from the discussion, related to living within 500 feet of the area, and therefore leaving only 4 council members to vote on an issue that was tied up in a 2 to 2 vote. Thanks to City Attorney Simonian's compromise suggestion this discussion ended with a 4-0 vote for Approval for the contract to be awarded to the Richard Fisher Landscape Design Firm, that will work with the City to create a design that the City will approve. Additionally, the landscape concept illustration shown at this meeting will probably not be the concept shown for public input.)
MINUTES - The City Council Approves the Minutes of the previous City Council Meeting for publication on the city web site. The minutes from tonight's meeting will not be approved for publication until the next city council meeting so there is always a significant delay for the public related to timely documentation of information but you can now watch and listen to the City Council Meetings on the City's web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARING -
ITEM 6.1 - Zoning Amendment to the Laguna Hills Municipal Code to allow Emergency Shelters By-Right in mixed use Zone and allow Supportive Housing as Residential Uses in all Residential Zones to comply with State Requirements "SB2" (FAIR SHARE ZONING BILL).
The report on this item was presented by David Chantaragnsu, Community Development Director, and states 2007 State legislation requires local agencies to address housing needs for homeless populations effective January 1, 2008. It continues that the City's zoning regulations currently allow for emergency shelters and other forms for more permanent housing in a limited number of zones subject to special zoning permits and public hearing reviews. The allowable zones are prohibited in residential zones, but cities are now prohibited from requiring a zoning application for homeless persons and must allow homeless shelters in at least one zone, and other types of housing "by right" in residential zones, therefore the City of Laguna Hills must amend its current zoning standards.
During the 2009 update of the City's General Plan the City zoning regulations were re-evaluated related to the requirements of SB 2 and corrections were suggested but the City standards were not updated. The recommended corrective actions were - 1. Allow Emergency Shelters "by right" in the Mixed Use Zone and 2. Create zoning mechanisms necessary that allow transitional housing and permanent supportive housing in all of the City's residential Zones. The report states these text amendments will accomplish the corrective actions needed to comply with SB 2. The report clarifies that SB 2 does not mandate that cities and counties build or fund homeless projects but that there is zoning in place that permits development "by right" without a conditional use permit process or other discretionary review.
"Emergency Shelters" means housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to 6 months occupancy or less and no one may be denied this shelter because of inability to pay.
"Transitional Housing" means buildings configured as rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and re-circulation of the assisted unit to another eligible program receipt at some predetermined future point in time, which shall be no less that 6 months.
"Supportive Housing" means housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, linked to on or off site services that assist the resident in retaining housing, improving his/her health status and maximizing his/her ability to live and when possible work in the community.
Any draft housing element submitted to the CA. Dept. of Housing and Community Development after March 31, 2008 is required to be compliant with SB 2. The report states the proposed amendment will bring this City into compliance. Having a non-compliant Housing Element brings limited access for state funding and liability for lawsuits brought forward against the City of the adequacy of its General Plan. Also cities that have not complied must revise their Housing Element every 4 years rather than the every 8 years for those who do comply and according to the report Housing Element Revisions/Preparations can cost 10s of thousands of dollars. The new State deadline for compliance is Oct. of 2013.
Report states that Laguna Hills does not operate its own homeless shelter or have any private, faith based or non-profit shelter from which to draw data related to the need in this City, so they take information from the County to estimate the number of homeless population. A 2008 Housing Element Survey from the County of Orange showed that 20 people served by County shelters reported living in Laguna Hills prior to becoming homeless. A 2011 survey reportedly dropped the number to 8 but City Staff is recommending 20 to take fluctuations into account. The proposed changes to the City Development Code include an update of Code Definitions for the types of shelters required plus Proximity from Sensitive Uses - at least 500 ft from residences, public or private parks, schools, churches, etc. and at least 300 ft from other shelters. Requirements also to include Numbers of Beds not to exceed 20, Maximum Stay not to exceed 180 days, Sufficient Off Street Parking to accommodate clients and employees, Size of Client Intake and Waiting Area, Lighting and Operational Plan. The code must also be updated to allow Supportive and Transitional Housing in all Residential Zones. The City must also allow up to 6 residents in a single family setting. See complete report on the City web site.
Council Member Songstad protested that this was an example of the State injecting itself into local land use and Council Member Lautenschleger agreed. Carruth and Bressette also agreed and all 4 said they were voting for it because the penalties for not voting for it were too great.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
VOTE - 5-0 in favor of compliance.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS -
Item 7.1.1 - 2012 City Manager's Year End Report - Receive and File - The complete report from the City Manager can be seen online on the City's web site at ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us It concentrates on The La Paz widening at I-5, approval of various re-development projects, reported economic revitalization and predictions of the completion of the Moulton-La Paz open space renovation, the 2013-15 Biennial Budget Process, and facilitating redevelopment of some existing shopping centers as well as not having had a re-development agency to lose. They noted City Assisted pass through grants to the Senior Center that is located in Laguna Hills, and they noted they had a response to the Coyote Problem.
(** Editor's Note - 2012 City Manager's Year End Report -THE REST OF THE STORY
Because The City Manager's (Bruce Channing) end of the year report concentrates exclusively on a positive spin of happenings in Laguna Hills during the year 2012, reality is ignored by excluding many happenings that occurred outside the positive spin that would put this report in balance for residents. So, we are adding some of the City of Laguna Hills 2012 happenings that were recorded in the Laguna Hills Watch Dog reports from City Council Meetings this year, but were ignored in the City Manager's Report.
The 1st thing we noticed was the City Manager's mention of the CA. Public Employee's Pension Reform Act of 2013 which he states became necessary because of the unsustainable costs associated with providing enriched pension plans. City Manager Channing and the council members who have left and are leaving have always touted and continue in this report to tout the City's wise decision not to provide more generous retirement benefits for City Employees through decreasing the retirement age and/or increasing the percentage of benefit in the CalPERS plan but they continue Not to clearly identify that City Employees are provided "enriched pension plans" by the City of Laguna Hills through having both Cal-PERS and PARS retirement benefit plans for which the City Taxpayers pay 100% of the employee and employer contributions, with the employees paying nothing. You can see on the City web site (under Public Official's Compensation Report) that the "Supplemental Retirement Contribution" (PARS) for just the City Manager was $15,183 in 2011 in addition to the CalPERS contribution for 2011 of $16,351, both the employee and employer contribution paid 100% by the taxpayers with no contribution from the City Manager. The City web site page for the City Manager's Compensation also notes $0 for car allowance. It fails to state that the City Manager selected his own Toyota Sequoia 4 wheel drive vehicle for $60,000 that is used exclusively for his personal and business needs. The web site states only Taxable Personal Use of City Owned Vehicle was $8,015 for 2011.
Under Financial Awards, The City Manager notes again that the City received a Certificate of Achievement from the GFOA for Excellence in Financial Reporting, but fails to mention that when we looked at the GFOA web site we learned that every city in the area that belongs to the GFOA also receives the same Certificate of Achievement every year, so although this is very good, it is expected, and therefore not exceptional.
Under Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) negotiated with City Employees, the City Manager fails to note that on Oct. 9, 2011 the City Council designated the Laguna Hills City Manager (who is the highest compensated City Manager in Orange County in the 7th smallest of the 34 Cities in the County and who this year in Sept. failed to make any changes to his Terms and Conditions of Employment after 8 months of closed sessions and $23,000 to $30,000 spent by taxpayers on a labor negotiator for him) to represent the City in matters of Labor Relations with the City Employee's Organization - The Laguna Hills Employee's Association.
The City Manager's Report states that the new MOU for the Laguna Hills City Employees Association limits the City's exposure to future cost increases in medical insurance premiums but does not say how it limits exposure or how much, so you need to read the MOU for this information. It also does not mention other things such as that the 2011 Compensation Study stressed that this City already has Medical Insurance premiums higher than most other cities. From the June 28, 2011 Laguna Hills City Council Meeting-Doug Johnson from Ralph Anderson and Assoc. who did the Laguna Hills City Employee Compensation Study in 2011, said the Health Insurance Benefits Costs paid by the City were higher than commonly found in the market place even after the City found lower Health Insurance Premium Rates this year. Council Member Bressette asked Doug Johnson if staff had told him that over the years we have created some of our benefits to retain our valuable employees. We have a 10 year anniversary date where a sizeable amount of money is put into retirement health savings for the particular objective of retaining our employees. In addition, the City Manager, at his discretion, may grant up to a 5% increase in salary and cost of living adjustments effective July 1, 2010. City Manager is authorized to create and administer a Management Incentive (bonus) Program for management employees ranging from 0-10% of annual salary at the end of each calendar year. ** At the June 23, 2009 City Council Meeting Council Members Carruth and Bressette called for city council approval or at least a report to the City Council when the City Manager gives employees raises and bonuses in the interest of transparency but the vote went against them 3 to 2. So, Transparency for Taxpayers still has a Long Way to Go in Laguna Hills.
The City Manager's Report also continues to talk about paying 5% above comparable cities to Laguna Hills City Employees to remain competitive, in a down market, and our City Manger remains the highest paid City Manager in all of the 34 cities in Orange County with an Assist. City Manager that remains as high paid as many top paid City Managers in OC.
When they get to the Financial Highlights section of the report they become more realistic related to total revenues and a decrease in the General Fund. They talk about their re-development efforts although they admit that they only began sponsoring a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers Conventions in 2010. They also talk about the Community Bulletin Board which is great but took 21 years to achieve for residents. )
Under 3/5 Battalion Support Committee, the City Manager says the City Council approved a pledge formula of $3 per paid participant in the Memorial Day Half Marathon Race for continued funding of the committee. This is true, but what the City Manager failed to say was that he was against this and suggested, at the November 22, 2011 City Council Meeting, that instead of the $3 per runner fee that cost the City nothing, a Community Organizational Financial Assistance Account be set up where the Marine Support Committee would have to apply to the City every year for funds and be considered for approval. This $3 per paid participant was achieved thanks to the support of Council Member Bressete and his wife, Council Member Kogerman and her husband and to the support from Team Dark Horse Committee Members and Residents.
The City Manager also says the City revived the Laguna Hills Support Committee for the 3/5 Marines Adopted by the City but failed to say that the City took back $2,400 of the, one time only, City contribution of $10,000 seed money they gave the Committee, to assist it's revival, because the $2,400 was not completely spent in the fiscal year in which it was given. The City Manager also failed to say how much more attention the 3/5 Marines presence and static display has brought to both the City's Memorial Day Event and July 4th Celebration.
Under Former Circuit City Site, the City Manager says staff worked very closely with the new owners to ensure a desirable remodel of the existing building, but fails to mention what, if anything, the City did proactively to assist in getting that site occupied while it sat there empty for about 3 years. The same question applies to the Taj Mahal Renovations and all other renovations in the City.
Under Moulton-La Paz Center, the City Manger says the City was part of a creative solution related to new water quality rules here and that's great but again this site was in bad shape for many years and what if anything did the City do proactively to stimulate this remodel? What the City Manager failed to report here was the question of the effect of this remodel on the surrounding residents, many of whom do not feel they were given enough consideration related to high towers and a relocated building obstructing their views. We spoke with some of the residents and learned that there was a meeting on April 3, 2012 for questions and comments from the residents, but the developer or developer's representative did not appear to be present at that meeting and there was not another meeting to answer the questions and comments received from residents on April 3 until the April 24, 2012 City Council Meeting during which the council pulled the plug on residents just as the developer said he was willing to work with them. What the residents of that area actually said about the Moulton/La Paz area redevelopment project at the Study Session/City Council Meeting of Tuesday, July 15, 2008 was - Mr. John Bridges, the city planning consultant noted that the majority of the public and the GPAC (General Plan Advisory Committee = 18 members chosen by the city council) favored the expansion of the shopping center as long as it did not grow significantly in height so as to block the views of neighboring homes.
Under ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Western Division CONVENTION in San Diego, the City Manager says they began sponsoring a booth there in 2010 where they can easily meet with prospective businesses, developers, hoteliers and retailers and distribute leasing information on behalf of retailers throughout the City. The BIG QUESTION HERE IS WHY DID THIS TAKE THEM SO LONG to become proactive?
Under OAKBROOK VILLAGE, at the Nov. 13, 2012 City Council Meeting the City admitted they had been working with the developer on this project for 10 years but still did not have sufficient explanations of how these high density residential rental units would affect the surrounding community and impact traffic. Statements from the Assistant City Manager admit that the City actually thinks theoretically there will not be the 125,000 sq ft. of retail at the end of 20 years which leaves the City on the hook for 20 years waiting to collect lost retail tax revenue while supporting 489 residential units with only a small amount of retail which is 66,000 sq ft less than currently exists, and the prospects for the building of additional retail on the site, after 20 years, are speculative. See Laguna Hills Watch Dog report for Nov. 13, 2012 for more detail.
Under SENIOR TRANSPORTATION, usage is still very low, as it was last year, and there is still no explanation of why this is or what might be done to make this program more useful to citizens.
Under COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD, it is great that the community finally has a static billboard at the Community Center and will be getting one online on the City's web page but this took the City 21 years to activate and far be it from the Laguna Hills City Council to tout contributions of Citizens related to accomplishments of the City, but we basically have resident Meg Gorham from Win-Win-Wednesdays www.winwinwednesdays.com who created and made a success of the W-W-Wednesdays fund raiser for the schools to thank for both of these bulletin boards. She has for a long time, and frequently, requested at City Council Meetings that the City partner in a meaningful way (including these bulletin boards) with the schools to assist each other with the advertisement of each other's functions and fund raisers in Laguna Hills.
Under POLICE SERVICES, because the public is not given the statistics for Police Service Activities for any one year until well into the following year, whatever is said in this report about what happened in the first 3/4s of 2012 is not something we can confirm or deny, but we do have a copy of the 2011 Police Services Report from the City of Laguna Hills that can be seen in the June 26, 2012 City Council Meeting Report in the Laguna Hills Watch Dog. There you can see that the total # of incidents reported in the entire year of 2011 compared with the previous year of 2010 were: Lt. Behrens reported staff handled 14,215 incidents in 2011 and there were 12,725 incidents in 2010.
2011 and 2010 Homicides = 0, 2011 Rapes = 2 and 2010 Rapes = 4, 2011 Robberies = 11 and 2010 Robberies = 14, 2011 Aggravated Assaults (Assault with a deadly weapon) = 32 and 2010 Aggravated Assaults = 25, 2011 Burglaries = 95 and 2010 Burglaries = 78, 2011 Thefts = 475 and 2010 Thefts = 404, 2011 Auto Thefts = 27 and 2010 Auto Thefts = 28. Total Crimes for 2011 = 642 and Total Crimes for 2010 = 553.
** Total Increase in Crimes in 2011 - Violent Crimes increased 5%, Property Crimes increased 17% and an overall 16% increase in Part 1 Crimes. Aggravated Assaults increased by 7, Burglaries increased by 17, Thefts increased by 71. Report also States in 2011 Drunk in Public Arrests increased by 200%.
2011 and 2010 TRAFFIC REPORT STATISTICS were Compared as follows with 3 MOTOR Positions (3 Traffic Deputies on Motorcycles):
2011 Fatal Collisions = 0 and 2010 Fatal Collisions = 2, 2011 Injury Collisions = 109 and 2010 Injury Collisions = 79, 2011 Hit/Run Collisions = 55 and 2010 Hit/Run Collisions = 72.
The Neighborhood Watch Groups for 2011 = 12 and the City Manager does not state the # for 2012?
(SRO) SCHOOL RESOURCES OFFICER Program in Laguna Hills that was started in the 2008-09 School Year Stats for 2011 were listed as: 11 Felony Arrests, 15 Misdemeanor Arrests, 31 Parental Referrals, 67 Criminal investigations, 47 Non-Criminal Investigations, 4 - Runaways, and 17 Truancy Checks. Lt. Behrans noted that Drug and Alcohol Arrests are not indicated separately here but are included listed under Felony and Misdemeanor Attests statistics.
Again Laguna Hills Residents are largely responsible for the presence of the SRO at the schools. They researched and worked hard to get this approved by the City Council in 2008 and we learned in that process that Laguna Hills was the last high school in the area to get an SRO. See http://www2.ocregister.com/articles/school-high-gangs-1980449-program-hills - Laguna Hills Parents Rally for Campus Safety. Janell Keider and Nancy Walters formed a group of parents vying for campus safey at LHHS.
ADDITIONALLY:
On January 10, 2012 Council Members Carruth, Lautenschleger and Songstad voted Against making a citizen friendly revision of the City's online Public Official's Compensation Report.
On March 27, 2012 all Council Members voted to study unsafe sidewalk conditions at Valencia Elem. School on La Paz Rd. but nothing permanent has been done to correct the problem.
On April 10, 2012 Council Members Bressette, Carruth, Songstad and Lautenschleger voted Against a study, suggested by Council Member Kogerman, to see what the City can do to limit excesses with future wireless microwave antenna installations in the City.
On May 22, 2012 Council Members Carruth, Lautenschleger and Songstad voted Against the repeal of an Laguna Hills Municipal Code stating the City Manager shall not be removed from office during or within a period of 6 months after any general municipal election at which a member of the city council is elected, regardless of whether that member is now or an incumbent.
On June 12, 2012, the Hills Hotel had a very difficult time getting permission from the City Council to change their old message board, that required change of messages by hand, to a new electronic message board. In the end Mayor Carruth voted No.
On June 26, 2012, Council Members Carruth, Lautenschleger and Songstad voted Against following the Orange County Grand Jury's June 14, 2012 Report Citation Recommending that Laguna Hills look at making the City's online Public Official's Compensation Report more transparent for taxpayers. OC Grand Jury Report entitled - Transparency Breaking Up Compensation Fog-But Why Hide Pension Costs http://www.ocgrandjury.org/pdfs/transparencybreakingupcompensationfog.pdf
On July 10, 2012 the City Council Received their 2nd Orange County Grand Jury Report Citation for 2012- July 5, 2012 Use of Government Influence on Private Educational Institution with 4 findings and 3 recommendations:
Finding (F)1. City officials apparently misused their membership in a non-profit corporation established on behalf of public entities to promote their own political agenda by using their status with that organization in an effort to influence the officials at a local university.
F2. City officials arranged a meeting with the office of a university president indicating they were to introduce the executive director of the non-profit entity, when their intentions were to influence the university to investigate and discredit the report where students were assigned as interns to a political campaign by the Masters in Public Administration department.
F3. The influence wielded by city officials appears to have been an attempt to cause the officials of a local university, to exert influence on a member of their faculty.
F4. City officials may not have been forthcoming with the Orange County Grand Jury in their testimony about the primary purpose in meeting with university officials and the facts and circumstances related thereto.
Recommendation (R)1. The Laguna Hills, California, City Council and the Tustin, California, City Council
should review the conduct of their city officials and determine what action should be taken
so as to prevent future acts of misfeasance.
R2. Elected officials in Laguna Hills, California, and Tustin, California, should refrain from attempting to exercise influence over public and private educational institutions.
R3. Additional efforts, including additional hours of study and training, regarding continuing ethical training should be required of those elected officials delineated in recommendation No.1
On August 28, 2012 - Laguna Hills Responded to the Orange County Grand Jury's June 14, 2012 Report Recommendation that Laguna Hills look at making the City's online Public Official's Compensation Report more transparent for taxpayers, with the City wholly disagrees with the Grand Jury Findings and Recommendations. Recommendations are not warranted and will not be implemented - AND - On the same day Laguna Hills, said it is committed to continued compliance with the Brown Act to ensure Open and Responsive City Government despite the State's Suspension of the Brown Act Requirements for Fiscal Reasons.
September 11, 2012 - The City Announced the end of 8 months of negotiations with City Manager Bruce Channing and the loss of $23,000 to $30,000 of taxpayer money for a labor negotiator for Channing with no results regarding the negotiating of Channing's Terms and Conditions of Employment.
September 25, 2011 - All City Council Members except Council Member Kogerman voted to respond to the 2nd Orange County Grand Jury Report in 2012 involving them entitled - July 5, 2012 Use of Government Influence on Private Educational Institution. They denied all responsibility by Laguna Hills and responded to the Grand Jury that this report should not have been directed to the City of Laguna Hills.
October 23, 2012 - The City Council Voted to spend more taxpayer money on a labor negotiator for the City Manager's Terms and Conditions of Employment just one month after they announced the failure of the last 8 months of negotiations of the City Manager's Terms and Conditions of Employment including the loss of $23,000 to $30,000 of taxpayer money on the last labor negotiator.)
Our Conclusion - Not such a Banner Year if one looks at the entire picture rather than just the positive spin of the City Manager whose annual bonus is reportedly based upon a secret list of his accomplishments during the year and a lot of work is still needed to increase Transparency in Laguna Hills .
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Item 7.2.1 - Staff Recommendation for Approval of MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING between the CITY of LAGUNA HILLS and the LAGUNA HILLS CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATIION - the MOU can be seen currently on the City's web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
Assistant City Manager Don White Presented this item and said a draft MOU, Terms of Compensation, Benefits and other terms of employment proposals were brought to the City Council in 4 closed sessions. On Sept. 25 2012 negotiations began and proposals went back and forth. The City's last offer was approved by the council on Oct. 23 and was accepted by the LHCEA negotiating team and ratified by it's members on Oct. 31, 2012. A Draft MOU was presented to the City Council on Nov. 13 and the MOU was posted on the City's web site for the Public on Nov. 16 according to the report.
The MOU has a term of 3 years beginning July 1, 2013. Cost of Medical Ins. is 2.55% of operating expense and City will pay the lowest of PPO or HMO premiums. Employees will share cost increases and a 3% cost sharing agreement is to be phased in. The MOU is currently posted on the City web site under the Agenda for the Nov. 27, 2012 City Council Meeting.
Some of the terms are:
Salary - Employees shall continue to be compensated at 5% above comparator agencies average for each classification.
Pension Contributions - Tier 1 employees - Beginning July 1, 20113 employees shall pay 0.75% toward the City's normal cost of its pension program with PERS and this amount will increase to 1.5% on July 1, 2014 and will increase again to 2.25% on July 1, 2015. Tier 2 employees will pay 50% of the normal cost rate of the city's pension program with PERS.
*** Editor's Note - We could find NO MENTION of the PARS additional retirement benefit for which the taxpayers also pay 100% of the employee and employer contribution unless this one sentence covers that - "The City shall provide a supplemental retirement program as set forth in Resolution No. 99-05-04-1."
The CalPERS Reitrement System shall have 2 tiers Effictive Jan. 1, 2013. Tier 1 (Employees hired before Jan. 1, 2013 or individuals hired after Jan. 1, 2013 who have participated in a public retirement system within the 6 mos. prior to being hired): 2% at 60 Program pay all employees' contributions to PERS as deferred income. Additional benefits provided through CalPers shall include one year final compensation, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, Pre-Retirement Survivor Allowance, 1959 Survivor Benefits including 3rd level benefits, Extension of Reciprocity Rights for Elective Officers.
Tier 2 Employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2012 who have not been members of a public retirement in the 6 months prior to employment with the City will get 2% at 62 with 3 year Final Compensation.
Health Insurance - The City will pay for the full cost of coverage for full-time employee and dependents as defined by the medical insurance program. Beginning Jan. 1, 2014 the City will pay the full cost of the lower of either the PPO or HMO program in a given year for full time employees and their dependents. For extended part time employees the City will provide and pay 50 of the lower of either the PPO or HMO premium for employee only. Beginning Jan. 1, 2014 cost increases in medical insurance premiums will be shared 50-50 between the City and employees, up to a max. of 4% annually for employees.
Dental - The City will provide and pay the full cost of dental insurance plan for full time employees and their dependents.
Vacation - Upon Separation or retirement, all employees shall be compensated at their current pay scale for their accrued vacation. No employee shall be allowed to carry over more than 320 hours of vacation time from one fiscal year to the next. At the start of the fiscal year, if an employee has more than 320 hours accrued, the City will automatically cash out any hours in excess of 320.
***There is much more online and this DOES NOT INCLUDE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES. Management Employees are not included in this Employees' Organization and and not subject to any decreases in pay or benefits to date.
VOTE - Passed 5 - 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS -
Dr. Dore Gilbert, New Council Member Elect, said he strongly supports this MOU and how the city council values its employees.
Andrew Blount, New Council Member Elect, said 27 employees is not very many and he supports the MOU, because they are running the city in a cost effective way with a small staff.
Council Member Kogerman complimented Assist. City Manager White and City Manager Channing on this and said the employees recognized realities and gave up some things there weren't required to do. The other council members echoed these sentiments.
Item 7.3.1 - Staff Recommendation to Adopt - An Ordinance Approving and Adopting a Development Agreement between the City of Laguna Hills and the Laguna Hills Investment Company for the OAKBROOK VILLAGE Shopping Center Redevelopment Project. - VOTE - Passed 5 - 0
MATTERS AGENDIZED AND PRESENTED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND MAYOR - NONE
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS - Council Member Lautenschleger asked if the council wanted him to serve out his term on the Vector Control Board and they agreed they did and they did not want to do that job.
CLOSED SESSIONS – Item 10.1 - Conference with Real Property Negotiator - Laguna Hills City Manager and Assist. City Manager negotiating for City of Laguna Hills with Jon W. Swallow on behalf of Dayle McIntosh Center for terms and Conditions of Lease Payment.
The Next regular City Council Meeting is Tuesday, December 11, 2012 7 pm, at City Hall. Contact Laguna Hills City Council Members at ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
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CITY COUNCIL and CITY MANAGER REPORT CARD - Categories - (T) Transparency for Citizens, (A) Accountability to Citizens, (CI) Championing Citizen Related Issue, (AG) Achieving Citizen Related Goal Grades - (P) Pass, (A) for Authoring a Citizen Friendly Item, (F) Fail, (A+) Extra Credit. City Manager will be scored related to online and agendized Staff Reports and Requests:
Bressette -
P - for voting for the change of Municipal Code to allow homeless shelters to comply with State Law.
P - for approving the design company for the La Paz Open Space Landscape and the intent to solicit the input from residents.
F - for voting for the almost $10,000 annual fee for the ACCOC without question.
P - for the vote for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2011/12
F - for the vote for the MOU for the City Employees and their Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc. because we believe to best serve the citizens this could have waited until the new council members were seated at the next council meeting on Dec. 11, 2012 and/or until they had time to completely review the entire employee compensation structure and the proposals, in depth. This is a 3 year plan that the new council members will have to live with for the majority of their 4 year term. Additionally this plan completely ignores the Supplemental Retirement Plan - PARS for which taxpayers also pay 100% of the employee and employer contributions.
Carruth -
P - for voting for the change of Municipal Code to allow homeless shelters to comply with State Law.
P - for approving the design company for the La Paz Open Space Landscape and the intent to solicit the input from residents.
F - for voting for the almost $10,000 annual fee for the ACCOC without question.
P - for the vote for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2011/12
F - for the vote for the MOU for the City Employees and their Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc. because we believe to best serve the citizens this could have waited until the new council members were seated at the next council meeting on Dec. 11, 2012 and/or until they had time to completely review the entire employee compensation structure and the proposals, in depth. This is a 3 year plan that the new council members will have to live with for the majority of their 4 year term. Additionally this plan completely ignores the Supplemental Retirement Plan - PARS for which taxpayers also pay 100% of the employee and employer contributions.
Kogerman -
P - for voting for the change of Municipal Code to allow homeless shelters to comply with State Law.
P - for approving the design company for the La Paz Open Space Landscape and the intent to solicit the input from residents.
P - for questioning the vote for the almost $10,000 annual fee for the ACCOC.
P - for the vote for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2011/12
F - for the vote for the MOU for the City Employees and their Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc. because we believe to best serve the citizens this could have waited until the new council members were seated at the next council meeting on Dec. 11, 2012 and/or until they had time to completely review the entire employee compensation structure and the proposals, in depth. This is a 3 year plan that the new council members will have to live with for the majority of their 4 year term. Additionally this plan completely ignores the Supplemental Retirement Plan - PARS for which taxpayers also pay 100% of the employee and employer contributions.
Lautenschleger -
P - for voting for the change of Municipal Code to allow homeless shelters to comply with State Law.
P - for approving the design company for the La Paz Open Space Landscape and the intent to solicit the input from residents.
F - for voting for the almost $10,000 annual fee for the ACCOC without question.
P - for the vote for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2011/12
F - for the vote for the MOU for the City Employees and their Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc. because we believe to best serve the citizens this could have waited until the new council members were seated at the next council meeting on Dec. 11, 2012 and/or until they had time to completely review the entire employee compensation structure and the proposals, in depth. This is a 3 year plan that the new council members will have to live with for the majority of their 4 year term. Additionally this plan completely ignores the Supplemental Retirement Plan - PARS for which taxpayers also pay 100% of the employee and employer contributions.
Songstad -
P - for voting for the change of Municipal Code to allow homeless shelters to comply with State Law.
P - for approving the design company for the La Paz Open Space Landscape and the intent to solicit the input from residents.
F - for voting for the almost $10,000 annual fee for the ACCOC without question.
P - for the vote for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2011/12
F - for the vote for the MOU for the City Employees and their Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc. because we believe to best serve the citizens this could have waited until the new council members were seated at the next council meeting on Dec. 11, 2012 and/or until they had time to completely review the entire employee compensation structure and the proposals, in depth. This is a 3 year plan that the new council members will have to live with for the majority of their 4 year term. Additionally this plan completely ignores the Supplemental Retirement Plan - PARS for which taxpayers also pay 100% of the employee and employer contributions.
City Manager - F - for an unbalanced end of the year report recognizing only a positive spin related to 2012 happenings in the City of Laguna Hills and ignoring citizen assistance.
** INFORMATION, COMMENTS QUESTIONS and CONCERNS from Watch Dog Readers - since the last council meeting.
** Recent audio/video Interview with City Manager Bruce Channing on Public CEO http://www.publicceo.com/2012/11/meet-your-manager-laguna-hills/
ABOUT the OAKBROOK VILLAGE PROJECT
Anonymous said... It's so typical that the Laguna Hills city council spends so much more time on the signage than the compatibility of an entire project with the community. The high density housing for Oakbrook Village is a "vision" of the city council members not the community. It's very important to foster business in Laguna Hills but this appears to be just another excuse for the development of more rental units that will have to be supported by the city when there are already restrictions on water and blackouts from our power sources, etc.
Anonymous said...850 apartments in the same area doesn't include the San Sebastian just on the other side of PDV so the housing density in this area will be enormous. Anyone who tries to use the shopping center at the corner of PDV and El Toro already knows what a mess that is now, even trying to get into and out of the post office on PDV is already too much. I sure hope we have elected some council members this time who can think as residents of a community where they want to continue to live, not as visionaries for a plan they didn't bother to think all the way through.
ABOUT the LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCIL ELECTION and the SMEAR CAMPAIGN
Anonymous said...I received one of those disgusting smear mailers about Dr. Mathur. What a way to win an election. Those people were obviously not proud of what they said if they wouldn't admit their participation in that mass mailer. Didn't we receive mailers from a group with that same title in the last election - Citizens for Good Government in Laguna Hills? We need to remember that title so we can automatically discard their junk mailers in the future. What ever happened to open forums where the public has a chance to question all the candidates? As far as I remember the City Council has never offered a forum for citizens at City Hall or the Community Center. Why is that?
Anonymous said...If council member Carruth was so concerned about Dr. Mathur why didn't she organize a public forum for questions from the public for all the candidates including the ones she endorsed?
Anonymous said...It's disgusting to know that we have people on our city council as well as in this small city who prefer to sneak around and spread rumors rather than ask questions and receive answers. It makes sense now that the city was responsible for at least 2 of the mass candidate sign removal incidents prior to the election. What steps can we take to ensure the honesty of our city government in future elections?
Anonymous said...Thank you to Mr. Robbins for his comments. He said it so well. We need people like him in city government.
Anonymous said...Aren't there some ethical policy consequences for council members related to "conduct unbecoming their office", especially for an acting Mayor? What is the Mayor doing publicly smearing a candidate who is opposing the candidates she has endorsed? I agree with the people who suggested public forums to ask questions of candidates. As far as I know these long term city council members in Laguna Hills have never attempted to set something like that up for the public but have always preferred to go door to door trashing other candidates and sending smear mail. We need is election reform of the entire system in Laguna Hills including capping the amount of money spent on elections, specifying clearly for candidates where candidate signs can be placed, and prohibiting the removal of candidate signs by the City and anyone else during an election period with a fine attached. This is disgusting behavior for any city and I am hoping it ends now.
Anonymous said...I also want to strongly express how delighted I was to see the letter sent to you as well as to many of us printed in the Watch Dog. I received that letter and it was signed by the resident, stating that Dr. Mathur was attending council meetings and speaking for citizens and businesses before there were other candidates. That should mean something very significant in this era of drop in candidates who often use elections as an opportunity for themselves and/or poliotical backers rather than to help residents and businesses in a city they really care about. In future elections we all need to look hard at who has helped the city previously rather than who just popped in, possibly for personal or political gain. I suggest that the people who want to run for city council in 2014 start now by attending council meetings and other community events to show us all who they are and how they want to help. I hope Dr. Mathur will continue to stay interested in serving the City and not be discouraged by Carruth and her supporters. Carruth was ridiculous to state that Dr. Mathur left his job as Chancellor with a $250,000 severance package and had a $700 car allowance for his much larger position when thanks to Carruth and the other long term council members the Laguna Hills City Manager is the highest compensated City Manager in Orange County, is provided with a $60,000 car that is not only paid for by taxpayers but has all ongoing expenses continuously paid for, plus he has the 4th highest severance package of $280,827 in the 7th smallest city in OC. See -OC Register story- Ka-chinghe sound of a city manager being fired http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/10/19/ka-ching-the-sound-of-a-city-manager-being-fired/163292/
Anonymous said...Here's what we need in Laguna Hills http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-377839-ordinance-posted.html
Santa Ana's 'Sunshine Ordinance' goes into effect
The Sunshine Ordinance, he added, "requires public notice and a community meeting at the very beginning of the process. This is important so that the community can both learn about proposed projects but also provide input before the project's plans are finalized." The ordinance will increase notification of regular City Council meetings from 72 hours to 96 hours. The council agenda would include a list of major issues that are upcoming. The ordinance requires the city manager to prepare five-year strategic plans, with input from the public before City Council consideration.
ABOUT MAYOR CARRUTH BLAMING KOGERMAN FOR CITY MANAGER'S FAILURE TO RE-NEGOTIATE HIS COMPENSATION
Anonymous said...I love the way Mayor Carruth keeps trying to blame Kogerman for the City Manager's refusal to re-negotiate the excessive terms and conditions of his employment. Even if he did feel Kogerman insulted him what is he, a 10 year old child with no ability to think beyond hurt feelings that have nothing at all to do with the fact that his compensation is so excessive? If he is that weak a character we need to just get rid of him. It's time citizens were included in the majority of the benefits from the tax money we pay so when the City Manager refuses to budge and wastes $20,000 to $30,000 of our money for a labor negotiator for himself that money should come out of his compensation, not our taxes.
** WIN WIN Wednesday is an ongoing series of restaurant fundraisers that allow the Laguna Hills High School PTSA to fund many worthwhile programs such as "EVERY 15 MINUTES" (a vividly realistic drunk driving prevention presentation), the Award Winning "I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE" program and the SAFE and SOBER all night "GRAD NIGHT" that keeps our kids not only safe but in Laguna Hills and on campus continuing a 23 year tradition that makes us HAWK Proud! ** For Weekly Flyers and Schedule go to our web site at www.winwinwednesdays.com and please be sure to "LIKE US" on Facebook!
** Bring the WWW!! flyer to these participating restaurants on these dates and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the LHHS PTSA and you can now get durable and attractive business card size Win-Win-Wednesday Fan and Supporter Cards that contain all the info. for W-W-Wed on one side including how to subscribe to W-W-Wednesday to get your flyers, dates and Restaurant Information sent to you weekly on Wednesdays and the other side of the card will serve as a universal flyer, if you forget to bring a flyer. You can sign up for an e-blast at WinWinWednesdays@gmail.com to have the weekly schedule and flyers for Win-Win-Wednesdays e-mailed to you.
December 5 - Ruby's (LH) - all day
December 12 - BJ's Brewhouse (LH) - all day
December 19 - Cafe Rio (LF) - all day
December 26 - Golden Baked Ham (LH) - all day everyday
January 2 - ToGo's
January 9 - Cool Beans
January 16 - Chili's Aliso Viejo
**Don't forget to see our "WWW Everyday Partners - Alpha Cleaners, Golden Baked Hams and ToGO's on our web site. Bring the flyers for these everyday partners and Support the businesses that support us!
** HOW TO SUPPORT THE 3rd BATTALION, 5th MARINE DIVISION - Adopted by the City of Laguna Hills
**** Team Dark Horse sincerely thanks everyone who has contributed to support the Laguna Hills 3/5 adopted Marines who are currently deployed and wishes you all a wonderful Holiday Season.
*** Team Dark Horse is Collecting Donations and Unwrapped Toys and Gifts now and until December 5, for an Early Christmas Party for the families of the Deployed Marines. Collection Boxes have been placed at:
Laguna Hills City Hall and Community Center,
Total Wine (in LH where the old Circuit City used to be),
Nellie Gail Ranch HOA Club House and Equestrian Center,
Laguna Hills Mall,
Players Sports Tavern (in LH corner of Moulton and Ridge Route).
** There will be 300 children - 100 children are 2 years old or under and the rest range up through teenagers.
Team Dark Horse received this very nice thank you message from the wife of the Commanding Officer of the 3/5 Marines. It is a beautiful message and extends to everyone in and outside of the community who has donated to and/or been involved with this effort to support the 3/5 Marines.
Just a quick note to say Thank You! All of your generous donations for our 3/5 baby shower were ‘over the top!’ Your time, thoughtfulness, and support of these new mommies is sincerely appreciated by everyone on the 3/5 command team! This Battalion has the most giving community support Programs on Camp Pendleton! In my 17 years with the Corps, I have never seen anything like it! You all continually surprise us! Your kind spirit and continued support of the Battalion has/will impact hundreds of Marine Corps families forever! Chris and I feel truly blessed to have Team Darkhorse in the family! Thank you, Jennifer Griffin, 3/5 Command Team Advisor
** Also Capt. Joseph Anagnos from the 3/5 Marines was just awarded the 1st award for heroic achievement in aerial flight, as a Helicopter Pilot, for engaging multiple targets with accurate gunfire in very close proximity to a besieged unit and enabling the unit to free itself from its pinned down position in Afghanistan in Feb. of 2010. He enabled a seriously wounded Marine to be evacuated by providing over watch of the landing zone.
Donation checks can be made specifically to "Laguna Hills Team Dark Horse" and mailed to - Team Dark Horse, 27251 Lost Colt Dr., Laguna Hills, CA. 92653 and we now have PayPal on our web site at http://teamdarkhorse.org/ The Non-profit Corporation 501 (C) (3) status has been approved so all donations are tax deductible. E-mail Mike Bland at 35bland@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, etc. The city's e-mail for the 3/5 is 3/5-support@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us City Clerk Peggy Johns is the City Liaison to the 3/5 Support Committee. Go to the City web site by clicking on this link - http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/
**BE SURE TO GO TO THE TEAM DARK HORSE web site at http://teamdarkhorse.org/ to SEE HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE HELPING, and see the Laguna Hills 3/5 Adopted Marines Face book page by clicking on this link - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laguna-Hills
** NEWS STORIES AND BLOGS ABOUT LAGUNA HILLS: Click on the links below to see the stories.
Ka-chinghe sound of a city manager being fired - just click on http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/10/19/ka-ching-the-sound-of-a-city-manager-being-fired/163292/
Grand Jury gets last laugh on "Shadowy" pension costs - Orange County Register OC Watchdog - Oct. 8, 2012 http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/10/08/grand-jury-gets-last-laugh-on-shadowy-pension-costs/162930/
City officials abused power, grand jury says July 6th, 2012, 1:22 am · · posted by Teri Sforza, Register staff writer http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/07/06/city-officials-abused-power-grand-jury-says/158361/
City among worst for alcohol fueled crashes
Fullerton and Laguna Hills had the worst rates of crashes that involved underage drinkers
Read more at: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cities-348774-crashes-among.html
New Reports with 2011 Statistics for the 70 year old Orange County Animal Shelter that Laguna Hills still uses for it's citizens http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fewer-338291-killed-shelter.html?pic=1
Total euthanasia rate of 53%. http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/02/16/three-out-of-four-cats-still-dont-leave-shelter-alive/148403/ Teri Sforza OC Watchdog Kill Rate for Cats at the OC Animal Shelter in 2011 was 74% and only 17% adopted. Euthanasia Rate Stuck at Nearly 50% at O.C. Animal Care http://ranchosantamargarita.patch.com/articles/shelter-euthanizes-fewer-animals-in-2011 County Shelter finally admits killing animal for space.
Fred Smoller,The Brandman University Professor of Public Administration, "who offended the power elite" when his Master's Degree students won awards assisting Council Member Kogerman to research the total compensation of City Managers in Orange County has just resigned from his post. Why did this happen? - Click on http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/10/12/professor-who-offended-power-elite-resigns-post/109833/
LAGUNA HILLS CITY WORKERS: 12 PERCENT UNDERPAID? http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/09/01/laguna-hills-city-workers-12-percent-underpaid/95765/
Which city council makes the most money? http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/07/11/which-city-council-makes-the-most-money/88311/#comment-169311
LA Times: Laguna Hills City Manager Salary http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-oc-salaries-20110621,0,1126677.story
June 9, 2011 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT - Compensation Study of Orange County Cities http://www.ocgrandjury.org/pdfs/comp-study-oc-cities/Compensation-Study-of-Orange-County-Cities.pdf
City manager says compensation is fair http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-303264-channing-compensation.html
After attacks, city-manager-compensation sleuths win state award March 21st, 2011, posted by Teri Sforza, Register staff writer http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/03/21/after-attacks-city-manager-compensation-sleuths-win-state-award/78545/#comment-139633 Click on http://www.publicceo.com/ for more of this story.
No more $60,000 SUVs for city manager? http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/02/09/no-more-60000-suvs-for-city-manager/75030/
OCREGISTER: Laguna Hills councilwoman says no to health benefits http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-282972-benefits-council.html
O.C. cities lavished health benefits on council members http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/06/oc-cities-lavished-health-benefits-on-council-members/69544/
Who has the best-paid city council in California? (updated) http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/02/who-has-the-best-paid-city-council-incalifornia/69418/ In Laguna Hills the Taxpayers pay the entire cost of heath care premiums for the elected part time city council members and their families. In addition, the City Manager's contract states "To the extent that payment of all or any portion of the dependent rate of premium, is not approved by the city council for all city employees, Channing shall be entitled to a salary increase or cash payment sufficient to cover the amount of premium or rate for dependent coverage not provided by the City plus applicable income taxes on that amount."
OCREGISTER: Chris Norby: Local officials susceptible to 'Bell syndrome http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/elected-276253-city-syndrome.html "Bell syndrome thrives where elected boards vote in lockstep, where groupthink is elevated, and skeptics are ostracized, and where top staff are seen as irreplaceable experts – with rubber-stamped salaries to prove it. Bell syndrome thrives when self-congratulation trumps self-examination."
** CRIME IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - For a roundup of Laguna Hills police calls check Sheriff's Blotter information - County of Orange at http://ws.ocsd.org/Blotter/ then choose a city/area and either a 7 day view or a 30 day view. The Sheriff's Open Calls,Cities and Areas - Media Page allows members of the media and residents of the community to see all open calls for all cities and areas. The Sheriff's Blotter enables residents to know what activity is occurring in their communities. A regular review of the calls in your area and the year-to-date crime statistics, at the bottom of each page in the OCSD Patrol Areas section, will provide you an accurate view of law enforcement activity in your community. It will also show you Official Radio Codes. You can contact the Sheriff's Dispatch by phone at 949-425-1800.
** You can also check the Saddleback Valley News every Friday for some of the police calls.
** WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the Orange County Register Newspaper - E-mail to letters@ocregister.com. Please provide your name, city and telephone number (telephone numbers will not be published). Letters of about 200 words or videos of 30-seconds each will be given preference. Letters will be edited for length, grammar and clarity
