Laguna Hills Watch Dog
Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - October 8, 2013

** Please Consider Attending a Council Meeting to express your opinion on items of interest to you or just to observe.  Citizen Alerts/HEADLINES for future City Council Meetings will be listed on this blog site within 4 days prior to a meeting.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

GET FIT and ENJOY the TRAILS OF LAGUNA HILLS - Mayor Kogerman Launches Saturday Morning Walks

Continuing her Saturday morning tradition of meeting with residents, Laguna Hills Mayor Barbara Kogerman is launching a “Walk with the Mayor” program meeting every Saturday Morning.  Check the City of Laguna Hills web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us  and look under "Featured Links" for the Community Bulletin Board for locations and any instructions for each Sat. Morning Walk.   Mayor Kogerman’s Saturday morning walks promote the City’s Get Fit Campaign. Participants will be visiting a different trail each week and getting fit while having a captive audience with the Mayor.  Participants should bring water, wear comfortable shoes and use plenty of sunscreen. Dogs on a leash (with doggie bags) are welcome.  We’ll also pick up trash along the way.  “Fresh air and exercise, pleasant scenery, good conversation, and sprucing up our trails – what better way to spend a Saturday morning?” Kogerman asks.

To learn more about the City’s trails download the City’s new interactive app via the smart phone’s app store by typing Laguna Hills in the search bar to install the app.  Go to “Places,” then tap on “Trails” to find a map and directions.  Or visit the City’s web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us.  Go to “Departments,” tap on ”Community Parks,” and use the interactive map (not available on iPads).  Check the City’s calendar of events for each week’s walk site.

** YOU CAN LISTEN TO YOUR MAYOR, Barbara Kogerman. ON FM RADIO- KSBR (88.50). 
Interviews  with Mayor Kogerman by Dawn Kamber of Saddleback Community College's FM radio station will be played in 30-second spots, every hour and half-hour from 6 am through 9 am on the day of and two days after each council meeting. The regular programming is easy-listening jazz.

Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - FEATURES DIRECTORY
** Closed Session - None
** Presentations and Proclamations:
Item 1.1 -  Report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Kerstyn Gonzales + Win-Win Everyday Partners.
Item 1.2 - Certificate of Recognition to South Coast Symphony in Laguna Hills
Item 1.3 - The new Commanding Officer of the 3/5 Marines, adopted by the City of Laguna Hills, Lt. Col. Robert Rice and Sergeant Major Carlos Ruiz with an update on their 2 year vision for the 3/5.
** Public Comments:  Parking Violation Code Enforcement; Exploration of Gateway to Wilderness area;  Nellie Gail Ranch Stop Signs and Crossings.
** Consent Calendar - Warrant Register - $395,560.62
** Items of Interest from the Warrant Register- $157,771.98 in Transportation Corridor Fees collected by the City and remitted to San Joaquin Hills Transport.
** Items of Interest from the Consent Calendar:
Item 3.4 - Grant of a non-exclusive Easement to San Diego Gas and Electric Co. along the easterly side of Aliso Hills Dr. north of La Paz Rd.
Item 3.5 - Construction Survey and Landscape Architecture Support Services for the Open Space Project
Item 3.6 - Authorization to Purchase $29,500 City Vehicle for Community Services Dept. Recreation Programs.
Item 3.7 - Authorization to Purchase a $31,789 City Vehicle for Assist. City Manager Don White.
Item 3.8 - Award of Contract for Printing of City Views and Community Services Activity Guide to PSB Integrated Marketing for total proposed contract amount of $51,765.
** Items Pulled from the Warrant Register pulled for discussion:
** Entry showing that the City has collected $157,771.98 in Transportation Corridor Fees for and is remitting them to San Joaquin Hills Transport.
** Items pulled from the Consent Calendar pulled for discussion:
Item 3.4 was pulled and Item 3.8 was withdrawn from the Consent Calendar with no explanation.
** City Council/Planning Agency Public Hearings:
Item 5.1 - City of Laguna Hills 2013-2021 Housing Element - Update to the City's Housing Element of the General Plan required by State Law with surprise issue re. Probability of No Restrictions on Number of Residents in some types of Housing.
** City Council Public Hearings - None
** Administrative Reports:
Item 6.2.1 -  Request for Street Tree Removal at on Mawson Dr.
** Plus - Finally an explanation for Laguna Hills Taxpayers and Pet Owners, from Assistant City Manager Don White for our question of - Why the City of Laguna Hills paid an additional $46,117.00 on August 27, 2013 for Fiscal Year 2012-13 to OC Animal Control after Don told us we were not going to pay anymore this Fiscal Year and had a $28,000 credit going into the 4th quarter. The explanation from Don White was non-verbal with no opportunity for discussion or questions and was summarized from a printed script by Mayor Kogerman.  Our question from the explanation - Why would the City pay any bills without knowing if they are correct was not answered? ** See the "official explanation' printed under City Council Member Comments.
** Matters Agendized and Presented by Council Members and Mayor:
Item 7.1.1  From Mayor Kogerman - Landscape Renovation of Poorly Maintained and/or Poorly Landscaped City-Owned Properties.
** City Council Member Comments - About: OCTA and the Sound Walls;  Skateboarding Grinding in Beckenham Park; The City's app;  Navy Birthday; Dirty and/or Faded Stop Signs;  Explanation from Assist. City Manager Don White re. why the City Paid the County Shelter after White told us there would be no more payments and we had a $28,000 credit; Problems in the Orange County Fire Authority and Explanations
** City Council Members Report Card - How did they score?
** Information, Comments, Questions, Concerns from LH Watch Dog Readers from the previous blog post  ABOUT: CURRENT POLITICS

** You can place comments in the "COMMENTS" section at the bottom of this blog report and see comments there from others and you can send comments to  BlandMJ@aol.com   Your name will not be used in the comments section unless you give permission.

** HOW TO SUPPORT OUR 3/5 ADOPTED MARINES and UPDATES FROM - TEAM DARK HORSE: *** The gently used dress collection elegantly displayed on female guests at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball was a huge success thanks to all of who donated your dresses to the Marines for the Ball!  **Plus - See 2 special messages to Laguna Hills from 3/5 Marines, Wounded Warrior Capt. Cameron West and Corporal Travis Haggerty.
** 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
** FIND the CRIME REPORT for YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - Look at Crime Reports for your Neighborhood at OC Sheriff's Blotter-  http://ws.ocsd.org/Blotter/BlotterSearch.aspx You can contact the Sheriff's Dispatch by phone at 949-425-1800
** WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Newspaper

Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - October 8, 2013
All Council Members were present
=========================================
Contact Laguna Hills City Council Members at - ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

CLOSED SESSION - None  **Congratulations to Mayor Barbara Kogerman, and the new Council Members who changed the order of the council meetings to place "Closed Sessions" 1st rather than last on the Agenda. This increases transparency for Laguna Hills Citizens and allows for Public Comments as well as a report to the citizens, from each Closed Session, during the regular time period for City Council Meetings.

PRESENTATIONS and PROCLAMATIONS:

Item 1.2 - Certificate of Recognition for South Coast Symphony
Mayor Kogerman introduced the South Coast Symphony, a non-profit corporation that resides and is performing in its 18th season at Laguna Hills at Crossline Church. The Symphony’s mission is to provide South OC with a professional, accessible, and affordable symphonic musical experience.  South Coast Symphony has created two educational outreach programs to benefit the youth of Orange County. The "Young STARS of the Future Competition and Concert", and "Koncert for Kids", which has been on-going for the last decade and has provided educational opportunities to more than 36,000 elementary students and their teachers in South Orange County completely free of charge. Barry Silverman, Music Director and Conductor, and members of the Board and Orchestra, received the Certificate of Recognition and thanked the City Council. Music Director and Conductor Barry Silverman said they started their educational outreach program over 15 years ago to promote the highest quality of performance among the youth of Orange County. Many past winners of the "Young Stars of the Future" have gone on to illustrious careers in classical music, Broadway and Television. In concert with the Orange County Philharmonic Society they created "Koncert for Kids" which is a multimedia high powered 45 minute presentation from the orchestra designed specifically for 4th graders, including classical, jazz, opera and some cartoon music. Through grant monies from cities, community organizations and corporate foundations they present the concerts free of charge to students and their teachers including bussing to and from the concerts. They have served 36,000 4th graders to date. After much applause from the audience, Mayor Kogerman concluded by encouraging people to attend these symphonic music concerts here in Laguna Hills. Their next concert is November 1, 2013.
Go to: http://www.southcoastsymphony.org/ for information and tickets.

Item 1.1 -  Report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Kerstyn Gonzales
NEWS:
Kerstyn spoke about Spirit Week where kids get dressed up for a different theme every day to stir up excitement about the Homecoming Dance. The Homecoming Game was Friday Oct. 11 at 7 pm at LHHS and Kerstyn was in the Halftime Show.  Back to School Night was Thurs. Oct. 10. Community Focus Group Tuesday is On the first Tuesday of each month, Mr. Ferguson, the new LHHS principal, will hold his Community Focus Group.
SPORTS: 
FOOTBALL: on 10-4-13 the Hawks played a great game against the El Segundo Eagles. Hawks won with a score of 26 to 0.
FUND RAISERS:
LADY HAWKS Volley Ball Fund Raiser needs your help at the Mall on Monday Oct. 14 through Thurs. Oct. 17 with the Ruby's Fundraiser. LHHS girl's volleyball receives a percentage of proceeds from every purchase that comes with the Lady Hawk Volleyball Ruby's Flyer.  So please Go to HAWK HAPPENINGS at: https://www.saddlespace.org/LHHS/lhhshomepage/cms_page/view/7261339
to find the Girl's Volleyball Ruby's Fundraiser and download the flyer to take to Ruby's and present the flyer when you enjoy a meal at Rubys.
SAVE THE DATE!! PTSA’s Hawk Challenge Golf & Tennis Tournament  This year’s tourney will be held on Saturday, November 16th, at the Tijeras Creek Golf Club including veteran honors, helicopter ball drop, and much more. This is PTSA’s single biggest fundraiser, and proceeds benefit every single LHHS student.  GO HAWKS!
** WIN WIN EVERYDAY  is a fundraising project of the Laguna Hills High School PTSA.  When you support our "Everyday Partners" - Alpha Cleaners, Golden Baked Hams, ToGO's, Subway, Supercuts, and Latte Da Bagelry & Grill by going to our web site at: http://www.winwinwednesdays.com/ and clicking on the names of the businesses to download their fliers to take to these businesses when you purchase services or food from them, they will donate a portion of their proceeds to the LHHS PTSA. This all year long fund raising effort helps Laguna Hills High School PTSA 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!

Item 1.3 The new Commanding Officer of the 3/5 Marines adopted by the City of Laguna Hills, Lt. Col. Robert Rice and Sergeant Major Calos Ruiz told us about their vision for the 3/5 and what the 3/5 will be doing for the next 2 years.

Mike Bland, Chairman of Team Dark Horse, the committee supporting the 3/5 Marines adopted by the City of Laguna Hills, said, three years ago this council decided to formally re-adopt the 3/5 Marines from Camp Pendleton. He thanked the council for doing that and said it's been a great experience for him.  He continued that seven years ago a young Major from the 3/5 came to this council to give his support for the formal adoption of the 3/5 Marines and now seven years late that same Marine, Lt. Col. Robert Rice, who is now the Commanding Officer of the 3/5 Darkhorse Marines, is back. The audience applauded!  Mayor Kogerman greeted Lt. Col. Rice saying we are happy to have you here and interested in what you have to tell us.

BRIEF HISTORY of the 3/5 MARINES
Lt. Col. Robert Rice, Commanding Officer of the 3/5 Darkhorse Marines, thanked the council for the warm welcome and said in August of 2007, shortly before we deployed, the City Council graciously decided to have a formal relationship with the 3/5 and adopt us as a battalion. To come back now and see where the relationship has gone with Laguna Hills and the Battalion is heartening. He said the support is really appreciated and can't thank enough Team Dark Horse and the support they give us. He showed some slides and gave some history saying the 3/5 has been around since the modern Marine Corps was created. Prior to World War I the Marine Corps essentially was small detachments aboard ship that did raiding parties and stuff of that nature. The Marines mobilized and rapidly became a second land army to be able to fill the needs of the nation.  1917 is when the 3/5 Marines were really born and saw service in Belleau Wood. From then on the 3/5 has been involved in most of the historic battles of the Marines, WWII at Guadalcanal and Peleliu then the battle of Okinawa that sealed the war against Japan. In Korea the 3/5 was involved in  maintaining the Pusan Perimeter spearheading the landing at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir, in probably one of the most amazing parts of our history, where they were surrounded by 8 Chinese Divisions. The one Marine Division which included the 3/5 fought their way back and did not capitulate despite being surrounded. In Vietnam, the 3/5 was there for most of the time and in Iraq the 3/5 was associated with the battles such as Fallujah.  In Afghanistan, which is what brings the relationship with Laguna Hills home is that in Sangin we lost 25 Marines killed in action in clearing that volatile province. It was this event that seems to have brought everything back together and brought Laguna Hills support back to us. He added that the 3/5 has a uniquely storied history.

ORGANIZATION of the 3/5
Lt. Col Rice continued he knows units are downsizing right now but thinks 3/5 is not going to be one of those units.  He said, at the end of WW II when the Marine Corps was down to 2 regiments, 5th and 6th Marines, the 3/5 still existed and he thinks it will continue to exist, so they are hoping for many more years of a relationship with Laguna Hills.  He explained that an Infantry Battalion is roughly about 1000 men. He said Sgt. Major Carlos Ruiz, who is here tonight, is the guy that keeps him on the straight and narrow. They organize the Battalion by splitting it into 5 different companies of about 200 men each and each company includes several platoons. Under H and S (Headquarters and Support) there are support people that maintain their equipment, that provide for us sustenance in the field. One of these important sections is our Spiritual Readiness and that comes from our Chaplin, Navy Lt. Stephen E. Velthuis, who is also here tonight and will be working with Team Darkhorse as we move forward.

THE MISSION of the 3/5
Lt. Col Rice explained this is to balance 3 priorities. First is to continue to be ready for any war fighting mission which is the primary purpose for their continued existence. 
Second is to sustain their Core Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Lt. Col. Rice stressed that the vast majority of their Marines that come from the community are 21 years old and younger and are in the bottom 3 ranks of the rank structure so he believes their responsibility to these young Marines is to reinforce the core values to build character and maturity in them, so that when their enlistment is over they can return to the community as better citizens.  He noted that the Marine Corps retains roughly only 20% of those that are brought in on a first term enlistment. Third is taking care of our Marines.  This is really where Laguna Hills means the most to us related to taking care of our families,and our single Marines to make sure their needs are met.  He concluded if you neglect any of these three priorities this becomes unbalanced and the excellence is lost. He stressed, "We need to get that balance right."

WHAT'S NEXT for the 3/5?
Lt. Col. Rice continued that the 3/5 just returned in May from an 8 month deployment to the Arabian Gulf area.  He said he has been with the Battalion since July and next May they are going to Okinawa, Japan to become the ground combat element for the 31st Expeditionary Unit. In Japan they will embark on Navy ships and will serve as the theater reserve for anything that goes on in that area of the Pacific. If embassies need to be evacuated, or if there's a major hurricane, or mudslides, etc. the 3/5 will respond as disaster relief for those and whatever else comes up.  Indonesia, the Philippines and Northern Australia, and Korea are all included in their territory. They'll also spend time working with coalition partners and other friends of the U.S., reinforcing security cooperation ties. Should be back at the end of November in 2014. So right now we are going into training at 29 Palms, CA. for this next mission.  Looking at it in 3 phases of training, before we ship we need to learn what to do off shore, getting our units built back up; we need to learn to integrate the Battalion with other parts of the Marine Corps such as Aviation.  We'll get back just before Thanksgiving and there will be a small group headed off to New Zealand. In December we'll focus on special courses on how to integrate with the ship, conducting raids,  and certification exercises do be sure we can do what we're saying we can do, then we'll deploy and be on watch for about 6 months.

WHAT TEAM DARK HORSE DOES for the 3/5
In conclusion Lt. Col. Rice highlighted what Team Dark Horse has been doing for the 3/5. He said the Wounded Warriors and Korean Veterans that are attending the 3/5's Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Oct.10, 2013 was facilitated by a donation from Team Dark Horse,as well as collection of dresses for female guests,  the Christmas Party Toy Collection the kids is coming up on December 7, 2013. Future plans have been discussed related to rebuilding the 3/5s professional library for self study. There has been a lot of support below the radar with individuals through the Family Readiness Program.

WHAT the 3/5 CAN DO for LAGUNA HILLS
Related to the Memorial Day 1/2 Marathon in Laguna Hills, Lt. Col. Rice said he would do what he can to make sure we have Marines to run in that race next year in lieu of the 3/5 who will be deployed at that time. He concluded that he wants this to be a 2 way relationship and wants to give back to continue to show the Marines that their sacrifices are appreciated by the citizens. He stressed that interaction with the public who cares about what they do is very important for the Marines. He thanked the Council and Mayor Kogerman asked that all the members of Team Dark Horse stand to be recognized.  There was applause and Mayor Kogerman added that Team Dark Horse has taken the horse by the tail to really build the relationship which is something the City treasures and thanked Lt. Col. Rice,  Sgt. Major Carlos Ruiz and the Chaplin, Navy Lt. Stephen E. Velthuis.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Carl Simmons, Laguna Hills Resident, spoke about a code enforcement issue related to endless warnings given with no consequences/fines for vehicles parked off of Paseo de Valencia. He said he lives on Linda Vista St. off of Paseo de Valencia and many cars including ones that are eyesores are parked in the street for much longer than allowed by the City's Municipal Code. Because they are parked on both sides of the street people are forced to drive in the middle of the street. He also reported deteriorating cars plus boats and RVs parked in numerous driveways also in violation of City Code.  He asked the council to go to this area to take a look and for some follow up fines to put a halt to these practices.

Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services stated there is a 72 hour parking limit and that is enforced by the Sheriff's Dept. He added there is another issue related to clearing cars for street sweeping which has been accomplished in other neighborhoods, that have requested this, through the posting of appropriate signage. In answer to a question from Mayor Kogerman, Ken noted that if signage is not posted there is no requirement for removing vehicles for street sweeping. City Manager Channing added that regardless of street sweeping there is always a 72 hour parking limit.  David Chantarangsu, Director of Community Development, said there is a 72 hour limit for vehicles, boats and RV storage in private property/driveways as well but he has no capacity to enforce this on an active basis, only on a reactive basis related to complaints. There is a need to issue administrative citations that have already been approved after warnings. Mayor Kogerman suggested the City's app could also be used for reporting these problems.


Bob Greeno, Laguna Hills Resident, noted that he is using the City's app and is happy with it. He asked about the end of Ridge Route Dr. at Santa Vittoria Dr. that appears to be a gateway to a wilderness area. His request was for the City to pursue a Laguna Hills gateway to that area, maybe agendize and item for that purpose.

City Manager Channing clarified that wilderness area is probably owned by the State of CA. and governed by the Laguna Wilderness Conservancy. Council Member Carruth explained that the easement for that area is controlled by 4 or 5 different parties including County of Orange, the City of Irvine, the Irvine Company, etc. and she has been meeting with some of those parties. Council Member Carruth was asked by Mayor Kogerman and agreed to work with Mr.Greeno to agendize this item for discussion at a future council meeting.  Mr. Greeno said he also agreed with the previous speaker about the need to address the parking violation problems.


Lulu Hallenbeck, Laguna Hills Resident, said she is representing the Trail Traffic Committee for Nellie Gail Ranch.  She thanked the council for all the improvements to date and reported that a big black SUV has been flying through the 3 way stop signs at Gallup Park and 2 women were almost hit.  She also reported that the driver of this car did eventually get a ticket and the flashing lights warning about the 3 way stop are helping. She added that there are articles in the Pony Express now about the committee working on additional crossings. Dapple Gray Park is another example of need.  She said she hopes to meet with HUMZA and the Traffic Commission soon. Council Member Carruth suggested postings in the Pony Express to warn people that the crosswalks, even with stop signs, may not be safe.  Mayor Pro-Tem Blount added that he spent about 4 hours watching and cars are still blowing through the new stop signs.


CONSENT CALENDAR and WARRANT REGISTER
Item 4.2 - Warrant Register  - $395,560.62

** Items of Interest from the Warrant Register: $157,771.98 in Transportation Corridor Fees collected by the City and remitted to San Joaquin Hills Transport.

** Items of Interest from the Consent Calendar:
Item 3.4 -  Grant of a non-exclusive Easement to San Diego Gas and Electric Co. along the easterly side of Aliso Hills Dr. north of La Paz Rd. Staff Report SUMMARY: The San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) has requested an easement from the City, to install new facilities to improve the reliability of their electrical distribution system, located in the open space parcel at the northeasterly corner of La Paz Road at Aliso Hills Drive. The easement, of approximately 952 square feet, will allow for the installation of underground electrical cable and an above-ground “Trayer Switch” box. The location of the above-ground box is approximately 14’ easterly of the curb line of Aliso Hills Drive and 85’ northerly of the curb line of La Paz Road. In addition to other provisions in the easement language, SDG&E will be responsible for timely response to graffiti incidents and will provide the City with funding to purchase and install screening shrubbery. Approval of the Grant of Easement is recommended.

Item 3.5 - Construction Survey and Landscape Architecture Support Services for the Open Space Project
Staff Report SUMMARY: The construction of the La Paz Open Space Improvements, from Moulton Parkway to Alameda Avenue, will require construction survey and staking services, the assistance of the design landscape architect to review contractor submittals and progress, daily inspection services and material testing services. In accordance with existing Professional Services Agreements, the material testing services will be provided by staff from GMU Geotechnical, the inspection services will be provided by staff from Bureau Veritas and the landscape architecture support services, along with subconsultant survey services, are proposed to be provided by Richard Fisher Associates (RFA). The proposal for the work by RFA exceeds the City Manager’s fiscal authorization limit and is presented to the City Council for approval. Staff has reviewed the RFA proposal dated September 18, 2013. Recommendation - City Council authorize the City Manager to issue a Task Order for this work.
Fiscal Impact - The La Paz Open Space Improvements is included in the current fiscal year Capital Improvement Program Budget in the amount of $1,200,000 and the proposal by RFA is within the budgeted funds.

Item 3.6 - Authorization to Purchase $29,500 City Vehicle for Community Services Dept. Recreation Programs.
Fiscal Impact - Included in the Biennial Budget to replace the 1997 Van with more reliable transportation.

Item 3.7 - Authorization to Purchase a $31,789 City Vehicle for Assist. City Manager Don White.
Fiscal Impact - The total appropriation for the lease of a City vehicle in the Biennial Budget for FY 2013/14-FY2014/15 is $11,285. The short fall in this appropriation is $20,504.  The difference can most likely be absorbed in the budget. If it is determined that it is needed, staff will bring a budget amendment to the city council. Staff report explains that the City could not purchase a Mazda, (there is a Mazda Dealer in Laguna Hills) because it was difficult to obtain quotes on 2013 models due to a shortage of supply and 2014 models are not currently in production. Therefore a 2014 Ford Explorer is being purchased from Santa Margarita Ford.

** Item 3.8 was withdrawn from the Agenda witth no explanation?
Item 3.8 - Award of Contract for Printing of City Views and Community Services Activity Guide to PSB Integrated Marketing for total proposed contract amount of $51,765.   
From the Staff Report - The City Council directed staff to issue Requests for Proposals (RFP) for services associated with the development of the publication. Subsequently, staff prepared and released an RFP for printing services. The City received five responses. Staff recommends the award of contract for printing services of the City Views and Community Services Activity Guide to PSB Integrated Marketing. The City states they chose PSB Integrated Marketing because:
1. They have extensive experience providing printing services to a number of governmental and non-profit organizations.
2. Experience working with City staff successfully on past City publications.
3. They are able to provide the requisite services within the City’s anticipated budget.
Fiscal Impact -    The total cost per issue for printing services (including preparation for mailing) is $7,395, for a total proposed contract amount of $51,765. The duration of the contract will continue through the remainder of the current 2013/2014 fiscal year as well as the entirety of fiscal year 2014/2015.  The City currently budgets $75,000 annually to develop and publish the City Views and Community Services Activity Guide, of which the majority of the costs are for printing services.

** Items pulled from the Consent Calendar for Discussion
Item 3.4 was pulled by Council Member Bressette for discussion
Item 3.8  was withdrawn from the Agenda with no explanation related to why it was withdrawn?

Item 3.4 - Council Member Bressette spoke about Item 3.4 which was - The San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) has requested an easement from the City, to install new facilities to improve the reliability of their electrical distribution system, located in the open space parcel at the northeasterly corner of La Paz Road at Aliso Hills Drive.  Bressette said this was an aesthetics problem for this neighborhood in a prime view area. He described a large, ugly utility box slated to be located in this already landscaped viewing area. He pointed out that if it could be located 60 feet further away the aesthetic problem would be alleviated, but SDG&E would not agree to that because they say the additional 60 foot distance would interfere with reliability of service and this box cannot be located underground related to past evidence of water damage to underground systems. He also noted that SDG&E would not allow additional landscaping to hide this box and would not allow this box to be turned around because they say this also could interfere with service. Bressette asked for a letter from an engineer stating that the services would be unreliable if this box was moved but this letter has not yet been received so Bressette asked to continue this item for an additional 2 weeks be able to get the letter from the engineer verifying that moving this box 60 feet down the street would indeed render the service unreliable.

VOTE - was 5-0 in favor of continuing this item for another 2 weeks.

** Items pulled from the Warrant Register for discussion
Item 3.3 - The Warrant Register - The description showing that the City has collected $157,771.98 in Transportation Corridor Fees for and is remitting them to the San Joaquin Hills Transport was pulled by Mayor Pro-Tem Blount

Mayor Pro-Tem Blount asked why the City is collecting Transportation Corridor Fees for and remitting them to the San Joaquin Hills Transport. (**Editor's Note - Excellent Question from Mayor Pro-Tem Blount, we wondered about that item as well.) City Manager Channing explained that all cities that are members agencies of the Transportation Corridor Authority have agreed that they will levy fees on new  construction as a way to cover the cost both of the original construction and subsequent construction. Only development pays that fee and all cities who are in the Authority collect it.

VOTE -  All of the items in the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 3.4, that was continued, and item 3.8 that was withdrawn, and all of the Warrant Register were passed.

CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARING -

Item 5.1 - City of Laguna Hills 2013-2021 Housing Element - Update to the City's Housing Element of the General Plan required by State Law.

SUMMARY:  This item was presented by David Chantarangsu, Community Development Director -  The City is required by state law to maintain a plan for the orderly growth and development of the city in order to guide decisions about the intensity and use of land and manage the physical, social, and economic changes that occur within a community. This document is known as a “general plan” and it includes seven mandatory elements that must be addressed. These elements cover land use, housing, transportation/circulation, open space, recreation, noise, and conservation. Of these mandated elements, only the housing element is reviewed by the State for compliance with state law. The City last updated its General Plan in 2009, including the current Housing Element which was approved (certified) by the State in October 2009. The Housing Element is the only element of the City’s General Plan which must be updated in accordance with a state-mandated schedule. State law requires the Housing Element to be updated for the 2013- 2021 planning period by October 15, 2013.

Chantarangsu explained that because of the built out condition of Laguna Hills, the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) number for the City for the next 3 years is 2.  We have essentially built one unit and we still have 7 remaining units, but the City is not responsible for building these units. The City just has to ensure that their zoning code provides for the construction of the units.

The proposed 2013-2021 Housing Element would replace the City of Laguna Hills 2008-2014 Housing Element.  Staff notes there are no significant changes in housing goals or policies from the 2008-2013 Housing Element. Staff notes that the State is requiring the City to make one amendment to the Development Code to comply with state housing law. Staff’s understanding is that the State’s certification of the 2013-2021 Housing Element is conditional upon the City revising the Development Code within 12 months to remove an occupancy limitation for housing facilities that may support Extremely Low or Very Low Income residents. The City’s current regulations limit housing that could support Extremely Low and Very Low Income Residents to six or fewer people. The State believes this limitation is contrary to housing law that was enacted in 2007. The change is described as a “Specific Implementation Program” at the end of the document under Section H-8.

In response to a question from Mayor Kogerman, Chantarangsu explained that the State says we cannot limit the numbers of residents in facilities similar to Community Care Facilities so we proposed to the State was to give this more thought but ultimately we may have to remove that "6 or fewer" restriction. Kogerman asked if there could be any restriction to the numbers and Chantarangsu responded that in speaking with the City Attorney there may be a way to do it but that is yet to be determined and would need to be studied.  Kogerman noted this may also affect the number of cars parked on the streets.  Chantarangsu noted that he and his staff completed a plan without a consultant which may have cost the City additional tens of thousands of dollars and thanked his staff for meeting that challenge.  Mayor Kogerman thanked them as well for that.

There were no Public Comments.  Mr. Chantarangsu reviewed what would happen if the City did not comply with the State's Requirement for a Certified Housing Element. If the City did not comply and continue to obtain a Certified Housing Element there are a number of grants for which the City could not apply, and it would leave the City susceptible to a variety of legal challenges including being prohibited from issuing building permits, etc.

VOTE - This was passed 5-0

CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS- None

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (**This item was moved up in the Agenda at the actual Council Meeting to just above Public Comments for this meeting only.)

Item 6.2.1 - Request for City Street Tree Removal at 25252 Mawson Dr.

STAFF SUMMARY: The resident of 25252 Mawson Drive addressed the City Council at the meeting of August 27, 2013, to request the City remove the street tree located in the parkway in front of this home. Staff reviewed the condition of the California Sycamore tree at this location and determined that the tree should remain in place in accordance with the City Council Tree Preservation Policy No. 315; the tree is not diseased or declining, the tree is currently not damaging public property and the tree is not known to be a threat to private property. It is recommended the City Council receive and file this report. While it is recognized that this tree type is not an appropriate species to fully grow within the existing 3.5’ wide parkway, there is no current justification to remove the tree.The City does not remove trees due to litter or view obstruction concerns.
FISCAL IMPACT: The cost for tree removal, depending upon the diameter of the tree, is approximately $250.

** In an abundance of Caution, Mayor Kogerman recused herself from this discussion and from the vote.  She gave the gavel to Mayor Pro-Tem Blount enabling him to act as Mayor, because Mr. Epstein is a neighbor residing on the same street as Mayor Kogerman.

Mr. Epstein thanked the staff for the report and said he has several concerns. He noted the report says the tree is not diseased or declining and asked if any testing of the tree had been done to determine this.  Mr. Epstein also noted the report says the tree is not damaging public property but brought a photo to show and noted that the tree is clearly encroaching on the sidewalk. He said he also saw in the report that in the future the roots could be pruned as needed but questioned way wait for all this if you could have the tree removed for $250 now.  He volunteered to pay the $250 to have the tree removed and he volunteered to plant an appropriate tree chosen by the City in planted in it's place.

Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services, stated that no testing was done on the tree it was examined visually, and does not appear to be declining. He acknowledged that this type of tree is not appropriate for the width of the parkway and over time it will do damage to the sidewalk or parkway or curbing, but was planted before the City was incorporated and it could be 8 to 10 years before it would require removal. Meanwhile it provides shade and has esthetic value for the street now. He added that if this tree were to be removed many others on this and other City streets may request the same action so the City's regulations for tree removal call for the tree to be causing damage or be diseased.

Council Member Bressette expressed concern that the removal of this tree would interrupt the aesthetics value that it provides on this street that has a large number of these trees and Council Member Carruth said that this street illustrates the well deserved title of Laguna Hills as a Tree City, noted that there were other kinds of trees on this street but decalred that this tree has tremendous environmental value on the street and there had been no other complaints about this tree received. Mayor Pro-Tem Blount said he'd vote to receive and file and keep an eye on the tree.

VOTE - was 4-0 to Receive and File the report and Leave the Tree In Place. There was no vote from Mayor Kogerman who recused herself because this tree is in her neighborhood, on her street.

MATTERS AGENDIZED AND PRESENTED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND MAYOR -

Item 7.1.1 From Mayor Kogerman -  Landscape Renovation of Poorly Maintained and/or Poorly Landscaped City-Owned Properties.

Recommendation: that the City develop a plan to evaluate all City owned property viewable by the public. Determine whether deteriorated parcels adversely contribute to a significant negative aesthetic or safety standard requiring remediation and recommend appropriate actions.

The Summary States:  "Numerous City-owned, street visible parcels are in disrepair, and the City had not been able to raise or maintain these parcels to acceptable esthetic standards.  Such unsightly parcels are detrimental to property values and detract from the overall beauty of the City's neighborhoods.  Current budget constraints suggest that a piecemeal renovation program would take more that 20 years to complete."  She added that there are rusting above ground sprinklers that don't function, etc.

Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services stated, "The City has a very long list of slope areas with non-functioning irrigation systems... due to the age of the infrastructure and the inability to budget sufficient funds to repair all systems simultaneously." "The City has hundreds of acres of slope areas that were originally irrigated but because the systems are up to 40+ years old, are antiquated and non-functional, many of these irrigation systems can no longer be utilized.  It should be noted that parched, unsightly, bare patches of dirt on slopes contain rusted and dysfunctional irrigation pipes that are subject to mud slippage. Failure to properly address these slopes not only adds to an image of blighted neighborhoods, but also portends public safety and potential property damage issues due to slope slippage and/or slope failure.


Mayor Kogerman stated "The City Council has identified more than $123,000,000 of projects in the CIP budget. The City Council has also determined that the City is financially able to prudently budget $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 per year to address public parcel renovation. This piecemeal budgeting approach provides for a 20 year horizon to implement all of the necessary landscape improvements."

Council Member Dore Gilbert said he would not be in favor of a Landscape Maintenance Tax for residents to correct this problem.

Mayor Kogerman agreed with Council Member Gilbert and suggested possible grants and interest free loans to property owners who are residents of Laguna Hills, or allowing property owners and HOAs to assume more ownership of some of the City property in their areas.

Council Mamber Carruth said she would not support the motion or selling open space to residents. She gave the example of Paseo de Valencia where she said each property owner has a different style of landscape resulting in a hodgepodge quilt like look.

Mayor Pro-Tem Blount said he'd like to look at examples of how our sister cities deal with these issues.

Council Member Bressette said he was concerned about under-maintained areas and noted many cities have more HOAs than this City does to deal with this problem and made a substitute motion to take this back up at the mid year budget and decide at that time if there is enough money in the budget to spend the staff time or other ways to review/study this issue and examine funding sources.

VOTE was 5-0 to, at the mid year review, determine if there is enough funding for a professional review/study of what funding mechanisms may be available to the city council to address the deteriorated parcels and slopes and examine funding sources.

** Editor's Note - Our 1st question about this issue is with such an enormous dollar amount backlog of landscape woes, why, on April 16, of this year did Council Member Carruth request and the city council all vote in favor of taking over Sheep Hills Park, an additional 11 acre park that Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services, said requires future expenses of about $1.89 million for a parking lot and a pedestrian bridge over Aliso Creek to get people from a parking lot into the park, as well as about $4 million for artificial turf, that has a life of about 10 years, on these sports fields,  plus $80,000 a year just in landscape maintenance as is? 
Wouldn't it be not more logical and a better service to all the citizens to work on fixing more of the $123 million of Landscape Renovation projects that directly negatively affect citizens now before taking on more that would appear to continue this cycle?


CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:

Council Member Carruth - said she and Mr. Rosenfield attended the OCTA's Long Range Transportation Workshop 2 weeks ago. The number of Orange County Residents was predicted to increase by 400,000 by the year 2040 which brought up a lot of questions re. transportation and congestion. Carruth then started a discussion re. the possibility of the OCTA not treating all the cities fairly regarding receptor sites placed along the freeway areas and the need for sound walls for Laguna Hills in the Aliso Creek area in the planning process of the I-5 widening project from State Route 73 to El Toro Rd. She asked about getting a staff report and recalled the mention of a possible law suit at the last council meeting. She asked if we could get information from the City Attorney if the City could take responsibility for possible liability issues re. a new sound wall and other legal options. She said that maybe Laguna Hills should challenge that process through hiring a special consultant to review the 16 walls that have been approved to be sure that they aren't just arbitrary and bring back the OCTA representatives to engage them in more questions, etc.  City Manager Channing stated the City did submit it's answer to the environmental documentation and made extensive comments about the need for a sound wall. The next step is to see what the response is from OCTA and after that the next course of action can be planned.

Council Member Carruth was reminded by the City Attorney that this portion of the council meeting was for Comments and not engaging in discussion so this item should be agendized for discussion and brought back at the next meeting if that's what the council wants to do.  The City Attorney also advised the council that his firm also represents OCTA so the City would need to consult an outside attorney/special council to advise the City on any legal options related to this issue.

Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services advised that the City prepared 6 page 30 issue comment letter based upon everything the council discussed that was submitted during the comment period. Caltrans has a duty to respond to every one of the City's comments and we'll have an opportunity to review those responses. He added that we'd be a couple months out at this time related to any legal responses.  The council agreed that the item should be agendized for discussion at the next meeting and that Carruth would work with the City Manager Channing to get this done.


Council Member Bressette noted the following 3 items:
1 - A letter from staff on Oct. 4 to a resident George Nutall who sent the city a letter on July 12 regarding skateboarding grinding activity in Beckenham Park and trash receptacles other violations in Stockport Park. Per City Manager Channing posted park rules state there is a generic municipal code prohibiting grinding skateboards on park equipment and facilities so that is prohibited but skateboarding in the park is not prohibited unless expressly stated. Preemptive measures have been taken to stop the grinding activity. 
2 - Bressette noted that he could not access the City of Laguna Hills app on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.   
3 - On Oct. 13, the U.S. Navy turns 237 years old.


Mayor Pro-Tem Blount asked if there was any resolution due to dirty stop signs in the city and later specified that he was especially referring to ones hit by eggs. He asked if cleaning crews and/or landscapers could take care of this problem.  Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services answered that one sign was so faded and dirty that it  could not be restored so will be replaced and others hit with eggs could be reported as a graffiti problem for cleaning. Signs are inspected on a quarterly basis.


Mayor Kogerman spoke about several items: 

1. - Issues regarding Questionable Payments to the Orange County Animal Shelter this fiscal year.
** Editor's Note - All the Comments in blue in the first re. the County Animal Shelter Issues are editorial comments. 1 - Mayor Kogerman reminded the council that a few meetings back (on August 27, 2013) the council requested an explanation from Laguna Hills' Assist. City Manager Don White for the 3rd and 4th quarter (of the City's Fiscal Year 2012-13) payments to the County Animal Shelter totaling about $46,117.00 for animal services, given that  the City had reported a credit of almost $29,000 in the 2nd quarter. (On Tuesday April 16, 2013 Don White told us - this year the City is not going to pay anything for Animal Care Services because the canvassing has shifted that burden to the residents related to a significant increase in revenue for the City related to license fees, in addition to usual fines and other fees, etc. He also said the City still has a $28,000 credit going into the 4th quarter.)

The Mayor gave the Assistant City Manager Don White's explanation from his written report dated Oct 1, 2013 which reads as follows:

"A few meetings back the City Council had requested an explanation of the 3rd and 4th quarter payments ($46,117 total) for animal services given that the City had a reported credit after the 2nd quarter of $28,990.  During the first two quarters of fiscal 2012-13, the City’s backup reports indicated that revenues exceeded expenses, which resulted in the credit balance of $28,990.  As a result, for the first two quarters of the year, there was no cost for either animal control or animal shelter services.  During the 3rd quarter, staff at OC Animal Care discovered that the reason revenues exceeded expenses in the first two quarters was due to a large account receivable that was entered into their accounting system during the first quarter.  This account receivable resulted  from the individuals that pled guilty to animal cruelty/abandonment in San Remo park.  You will remember that 29 dogs were abandoned in the park in May of 2012.  They were picked up and cared for by OC Animal Care. Since the incident occurred in Laguna Hills, we bore the expenses.  The receivable entered into the system totaled $38,387.65, consisting of:
Impound Fees:                                 $3,150
Impound Fines:                                $1,225
Daily Feed & Care:                           $23,503.50
Vaccination Fees:                             $380.00
Veterinary Services Fees:             $10,129.15
Total                                             $38,387.65

At this time, OC Animal Care has not received any payments from this incident.  A restitution hearing is scheduled for late October.  This is a hearing where the individuals will try to dispute what they owe. OC Animal Care is working with the DA on this case, and will do everything they can to collect the full amount that is owed.  This may involve filing liens on assets and garnishing wages, and it may involve collecting the money over time via a payment plan.  While the individuals have been ordered to pay all of OC Animal Care’s fees and costs, they have not yet collected anything, and due to the uncertainty surrounding collection of such a large amount of revenue, OC Animal Care determined that it was inappropriate for the revenue to have been credited to the City of Laguna Hills.  If ultimately they are able to collect the revenue, then Laguna Hills will receive full credit, which will offset current period expenses

In any event, the total net cost for animal services in 2012-13 was $46,117.  This is in line with historical costs.  Had we received the amount due from the animal cruelty/abandonment case ($38,387.65), the net cost would have been $7,729.35.  This is because revenues are up substantially as a result of two dog license canvassing campaigns."

What Assistant City Manager Don White, who is also reported to be on the OC Animal Shelter's Financial Operational Advisory Board, failed to explain here is that in the same month and year (May of 2012) that this incident of dumping 29 dogs in a Laguna Hills' park occurred it was also reported that the people who dumped these dogs resided in Rancho Santa Margarita. Police identify suspects in 30-dog dumping case  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/woman-355933-dogs-park.html  so why, did Laguna Hills not recover the entire $38,387.65 that it appears should have been paid by Rancho Santa Margarita who another of the few remaining cities in So. Orange that still use the 73 year old OC Animal Shelter?

Mayor Kogerman also noted some concerns related to the fact that the City of Laguna Hills accepted and paid a $38,000 from the County Animal Shelter without knowing what it was for.  She noted that the understands the OC Animal Shelter system is a little arcane in it's accounting, but one would have expected the $38,000 bill to have been assigned to the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, not to Laguna Hills.

Mayor Kogerman continued that once again this report is reporting only the City's net cost but not the total cost including the amount the pet owners/residents (who are also taxpayers) in the City pay. She added we should be clear that our residents are indeed paying more per capita that residents in just about any other city in So. OC. (she is referring here to South OC residents who are sharing So. OC City Animal Shelters).  She continued that we are basically just passing the cost on to our residents and implying that the City costs are low when we pay more for licenses and get less in animal services. It's kind of like a hidden tax.  The latest figures show that Rates for Laguna Woods are about $5.31 per capita  with the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, and Aliso Viejo is paying about $7.65 per capita with the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter and Laguna Hills for the same period paid $8.28 per capita with the County Animal Shelter.

Laguna Hills' Assistant City Manager Don White reported on March 11, 2008 that we rejected an opportunity to join the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter in 2005 because of increased expenses and "unknown and serious contractual problems that exposed the City's budget to unknown and uncontrollable cost increases and expenditures."  Aliso Viejo took the spot at the Mission Viejo Shelter that Laguna Hills had been offered and are still there and paying less per capita than Laguna Hills residents for better services much closer to home!

Mayor Kogerman also noted that in FY 2011-12 revenues from Laguna Hills Residents to the OC Animal Services were about 79% of the total cost of services. It was almost $200,000 vs the City cost of $46,000.  By comparison, in Aliso Viejo, the Citizens paid revenue was only about 35% of the total cost of services.


2. Mayor Kogerman remarked about some of the issues from the OC Fire Authority  and asked if we could get a briefing on these issues from our City's Representative to the OC Fire Authority, County Member Randall Bressette. 

She mentioned some of the issues such as the Fire Authority's RFP process, disabled seat belts by some OCFA employees, charging for inspections that never took place. She questioned transparency, openness with the cities, and the question of if the issues deserve further discussion.

Council Member Bressette responded that Hazmat (hazardous materials) inspections that were supposed to have been accomplished were not.  He noted that was unacceptable to the Fire Authority Board and that matter was turned over to the District Attorney. There were administrative errors made. There were issues because the software infrastructure is very old. He noted that all of this is public. The District Attorney has been public in noting there were transfers between funds that weren't approved. He said we disclosed everything we possibly can and are refunding money to people who didn't get the inspections or tell us they didn't get the inspections. There have been fire fighters who either do not wear their seatbelts and/or disable the seatbelts in the fire engines and that is an unacceptable practice. It is unacceptable to the OC Fire Authority Directors, the Chief, the Command Staff and to the Firefighter's Union. Those documents may not have been made public yet but they will be. The Firefighter's union is on top of that and demanding that their fighters comply with all the safety regulations including seatbelts. He added that some of us don't understand way the fire fighters would want to sit on their seatbelts or deaden the warning device. That issue is being taken care of effectively and forcefully. The ambulance contract is about ready to be let and we are looking into it.  We want to find out from our current providers what doesn't work in the contract and find out from prospective providers the costs and insurance requirements, etc. We need to say yes we've made errors but want to comply with all the rules as we move forward and a vetting process will be there and open to everyone. That has been made clear to the Chief of Staff. Bressette concluded with the cities who are members of the Fire Authority are well aware of all of these issues and said he doesn't believe any further action by the City Council is necessary. 

Mayor Kogerman asked if he felt the staff is being forthcoming with the Board?
Bressette answered as in this organization over the past 20 years there is the question of how much information should the City Manager give us. The struggle with a Board that changes frequently is how much information do we want?  Bressette said they are struggling with that and he agrees with a majority of his colleagues who have asked for more information than they have been given. He said the Board of Directors is not afraid to speak their mind and acknowledge the inevitable.

The Next regular City Council Meeting is Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - 7 pm, at City Hall
Contact Laguna Hills City Council Members at ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
** In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in City Council meetings, you should contact the office of the City Clerk at (949) 707‑2635. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
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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:

Blount 
A+ for soliciting an explanation for why the City is collecting Transportation Corridor Fees for and paying them to the San Joaquin Hills Transport.
P - for vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to study the problem.
P - for vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - for vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
F -  for a no vote on removing an admittedly inappropriate tree from a parkway for a citizen who has offered to pay for the removal and replace the tree with one approved by the City.  The tree provides shade only to the street, future Root Pruning and damage caused by roots may be more expensive than removing the tree now and the city has acknowledged in the past that it cannot remove the entire stump of a tree so future removal would leave a much larger stump that would not enhance the aesthetics of the community and larger roots that would prevent planting of a more appropriate tree.

Bressette
A + for catching the problem with the SDG&E utility box location in a prime view area and getting it continued to verify the problem.
P - for vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to verify the problem.
P - for vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - for vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
F -  for a no vote on removing an admittedly inappropriate tree from a parkway for a citizen who has offered to pay for the removal and replace the tree with one approved by the City.  The tree provides shade only to the street, future Root Pruning and damage caused by roots may be more expensive than removing the tree now and the city has acknowledged in the past that it cannot remove the entire stump of a tree so future removal would leave a much larger stump that would not enhance the aesthetics of the community and larger roots that would prevent planting of a more appropriate tree. 

Carruth
P - for vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to verify the problem.
P - for vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - for vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
F -  for a no vote on removing an admittedly inappropriate tree from a parkway for a citizen who has offered to pay for the removal and replace the tree with one approved by the City.  The tree provides shade only to the street, future Root Pruning and damage caused by roots may be more expensive than removing the tree now and the city has acknowledged in the past that it cannot remove the entire stump of a tree so future removal would leave a much larger stump that would not enhance the aesthetics of the community and larger roots that would prevent planting of a more appropriate tree.
 
Gilbert 
P - for vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to verify the problem.
P - for vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk. 
P - for vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
F -  for a no vote on removing an admittedly inappropriate tree from a parkway for a citizen who has offered to pay for the removal and replace the tree with one approved by the City.  The tree provides shade only to the street, future Root Pruning and damage caused by roots may be more expensive than removing the tree now and the city has acknowledged in the past that it cannot remove the entire stump of a tree so future removal would leave a much larger stump that would not enhance the aesthetics of the community and larger roots that would prevent planting of a more appropriate tree.

Kogerman
A+ for managing to get some kind of response for city taxpayers and pet owners regarding questionable previous information from Assist. City Manager Don White, and questionable payments this year to the Orange County Animal Shelter, and responding to that information.  
A  - for authoring the citizen friendly item of making a plan to do more about the enormous backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
P - for vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to verify the problem.
P - for vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - for vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
No Vote on the parkway tree because it was in her neighborhood.

City Manager
F - for the Assistant City Manager approving at least two payments from the City to the County Animal Shelter, one for $38,000 that probably should have been billed to another city and another for $46,000 to the without knowing what these payments were for and not finding out until he was called out for an explanation.


** INFORMATION, COMMENTS QUESTIONS and CONCERNS from Watch Dog Readers since the last council meeting:  ABOUT: Current Politics
About:  Current Politics in this country
Anonymous said...
This is my take on the current situation "We don't have as many heroes anymore. They have been overwhelmed by the onslaught of train wrecks we allow into our brains. The days of looking up to scientists, artists, and genuinely successful people are gone, perhaps because they are not celebrated as widely. Society is only partly at fault. Yes, people are more interested in negative information and bad behavior. Seeing losers on TV gives us hope. Seeing a brilliant doctor change the world by curing some disease just isn't sexy. But watch some cretinous politicians ruin a country and we can all rest easy that we would never be so foolish." Yes, I altered this quote a little.


** HOW TO SUPPORT THE 3rd BATTALION, 5th MARINE DIVISION adopted by the City of Laguna Hills

Team Dark Horse says THANK YOU, **BE SURE TO GO TO THE TEAM DARK HORSE web site at  http://teamdarkhorse.org/  to SEE HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE HELPING, see the Laguna Hills 3/5 Adopted Marines Face book page by clicking on this link - http://teamdarkhorse.org/https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laguna-Hills-Team-Darkhorse/132765660119128?ref=ts&fref=ts  Donation checks can be made to "Laguna Hills Team Dark Horse" and mailed to - Team Dark Horse, 27251 Lost Colt Dr., Laguna Hills, CA. 92653 or anyone can now donate via PayPal on the 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 gently used dresses collection for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball was a huge success thanks to all of you who advertised for us, who donated your dresses and to Teresa Bonutto who collected the dresses and took them to Camp Pendleton.  At last count there were about 200 dresses and the ladies at the Birthday Ball looked and felt glamorous in them.  It was a wonderful occassion for all who attended!!!

Please see 2 very special messages below from Wounded Warrior Capt. Cameron West, who lost his right leg and the sight in his right eye while serving with the 3/5 in Sangin, and Corporal Travis Haggerty, who runs in our Memorial Day race every year carrying an American Flag containing the names of all the 3/5 Marines lost in Afghanistan during their deployment in 2010 and does such a wonderful job of expressing thanks from all of us.  In 2010, the 3/5 Marines DarkHorse Battalion lost 25 Marines during that deployment.

Capt. Cameron West said:  About the 2013 Laguna Hills' Memorial Day Event,  “Last night after all the festivities and the day came to a close, I thought to myself that there was nowhere else I would rather have been on this Memorial Day.  And that’s a pretty big deal thinking of all the family and friends that I could have been with, but I realized for that day Laguna Hills took their place, and did a fine job doing it."

Corporal Haggerty said:  Mr. Bland,  I would like to thank you for yesterday and all the things that Team Darkhorse and Laguna Hills made possible for memorial day. Every time we see the people interacting with all the Marines and truly taking time to remember our fallen brothers is a honor. A success would be a understatement for how yesterday went. All of you have done so much for our battalion, and even more for our Gold Star families and wounded warriors, and we can not thank you enough for taking care of our brothers. Again, everything that all of you have done and the efforts that you have put forth do not go unnoticed.   Thank you and Semper Fi,    Corporal Haggerty


** NEWS STORIES AND BLOGS ABOUT LAGUNA HILLS:
Please Click on the links below to see the stories.

www.PUBLICCEO.com
Opinion: Release Grand Jury Transcripts on OC City Manager Salaries http://www.publicceo.com/2013/09/opinion-release-grand-jury-transcripts-on-o-c-city-manager-salaries/
VOICE of OC - Community Editorial: Brandman Transcripts Should Be Released, Comment by Professor Fred Smoller 9-5-13 http://www.voiceofoc.org/community_editorial_board/article_44e78358-15e4-11e3-9405-001a4bcf887a.html?TNNoMobile
LA Times - The Use of Government Influence On a Private Educational Institution 7/5/12 http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-adv-professor-fallout-20130901,0,7321736.story
** Letter to the Editor from Laguna Hills City Council Member Andrew Blount -Tiered billing schemes for water not fair  -  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/water-522523-billing-tiered.html
Laguna Hills looks to mall sale to spur town-center plans by Megan Nicolai  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mall-516142-hills-laguna.html
Robbins:Supporting Team Dark Horse, by Karen Robbins, March 8, 2013 The Orange County Register http://www.ocregister.com/news/dark-498871-horse-marines.html
Latest Update on the Orange County Animal Shelter in the OC Register Newspaper - The 54 percent overall death rate was pretty much the same as 2011 http://www.ocregister.com/news/cats-496442-percent-animal.html
Distinguished Budget Award’ more about good looks than financial health January 17, 2013 - OC Watchdog by Keegan Kyle, http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2013/01/17/distinguished-budget-award-more-about-good-looks-than-financial-health/165287/  
Resident's Resolutions for Laguna Hills, Lake Forest at http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-382833-lake-forest.html
Laguna Hills Needs an Identity of its Own at http://www.ocregister.com/news/laguna-382827-hills-town.html
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/ 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 onhttp://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."


** FIND the CRIME REPORT for YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - For a roundup of Laguna Hills police calls check Sheriff's Blotter information - County of Orange at: http://ws.ocsd.org/Blotter/BlotterSearch.aspx  then choose city and either a 7 day view or a 30 day view.  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 highlights 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.