City of Monrovia

City-MUSD Budget Video Tackles Complex Topic

As we approach the home-stretch of the 2010-11 fiscal year, we are increasingly able to define what next year’s budget will look like, and it isn’t pretty.

Of course, the good news is that Monrovia is doing better than most communities, having faced up to the hard decisions that needed to be made over the last three years.  The bad news, as I have written in previous Weekly Reports, is that the deficit we were projecting for next fiscal year is being made worse by a combination of factors, most notably State manipulation of the “triple flip” backfill payment and increased PERS rates.

While we are not projecting cuts on the same magnitude as the current fiscal year, simply “holding the line” is not going to be a realistic option.

As we enter into budget preparation mode in late March and April, I will be communicating with the Council and employee groups about this matter.  I believe that the theme of this budget is “it is always darkest before the dawn.”  If the economy is indeed bottoming out, and recent additions to our local tax base are even moderately successful, then we may be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel (and, no, it won’t be a train heading our way).

We have identified 2010 as a “recovery year;” I still believe this is the case – it is just that if this is the new normal, then “recovery” means zero – no negative grow.

I suppose that isn’t inspiring or encouraging; however, we have lost one-quarter of our sales tax revenue (roughly $2 million) to this recession.  I will take flat over negative any day.

All this said, and considering the terrible shape our schools’ finances are in (keep in mind that, unlike cities, school districts are almost wholly reliant upon Sacramento for their funding), Mayor Lutz and I teamed up MUSD Superintendent Dr. Linda Wagner and Monrovia & LA County Teacher of the Year Jennifer Bryant to shoot a video regarding the current state of local government finance.

The videotaped discussion, moderated by KGEM’s Lance Mungia, examines real world impacts of the budget cuts, some of the context that helps create these “feast and famine” budget cycles, and ways that folks can get involved to help alleviate the negative impacts of the cuts.

The video should begin airing the week of March 8.

ULI Revisits Station Square

As you will recall, several years ago the prestigious Urban Land Institute (ULI) convened in Monrovia for entire week to help study the proposed Station Square project.  ULI’s panel of land use experts helped to refine the Council’s vision for this key project.  Over the subsequent years, the reference document that was generated by ULI’s visit became the basis of a long-range planning tool for Station Square.

The first phase of the Station Square project, along with an environmental impact report (EIR), was adopted in January 2009.  The master EIR set maximum densities for housing units, office and retail space, parks and open space and a hotel.  Unfortunately, though, by the time the project was entitled, the economy had already started to sour.

At this point, this first phase of the Station Square project – comprehensive and well-designed as it is – needs to be reexamined.  If for no other reason, land prices have fluctuated so greatly that we need to better understand what is possible on the site and at what price.

Thus, thanks to our Planning staff in securing a grant from ULI, we had an abbreviated version of ULI’s original visit last Friday.  Once again, ULI assembled a team of developers, builders, financiers, analysts, and architects to look at our project and make suggestions based on the current market, and foreseeable future and trends.  The results and recommendations were not too surprising, but it is nice to know that our own thinking isn’t too far off target.  

Essentially, the panel focused on retooling the project around smaller parcels that would allow the developer greater flexibility in product delivery, as well as a greater mix of uses.  The panel also focused on enhancing the sense of place around the project – more integration with transit, more open spaces and plazas, and more walk-ability.  Over the coming weeks, we will be meeting with our development partners to review these recommendations. 

If you have any questions about the ULI panel, or the ULI organization, please feel free to contact Planning Division Manager Steve Sizemore.

City Council Box Score

There were two interesting items on the City Council’s March 2 agenda.

The Council pulled two items off of the Consent Agenda, both of which had to do with the Family Festival/Farmer’s Market.  While Family Festival will commence on the second Friday in March as  usual, beginning mid-April, we will also be offering a Farmer’s Market on the 100 block of West Lime on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This market will be strictly for certified and non-certified farmers and growers – i.e., no craft or food booths.  We hope to draw more folks to Old Town on typically “off-peak” days in order to help support our merchants.  The Council voted 3-0 on both matters, with Mayor Lutz and Councilwoman Shevlin abstaining due to the proximity of their respective places of business.

The other matter discussed by the Council was item AR-1.  Basically, in complying with a new law that affords cities and their elected officials the opportunity to track complimentary tickets and other gifts in a more comprehensive way, the Council chose a policy option that makes City staff responsible for reporting all gifts presented to the City.  Currently, any Councilmember who receives a gift must claim it on a Form 700 or return the gift.  In a town such as Monrovia (as opposed to, say, Los Angeles), such gifts are rare; and so this policy debate was primarily theoretical, although it was important that we have a policy on the books in order to comply with rules of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).  What was interesting in this case was the vote, which revolved around the three options outlined by the City Attorney:  a motion was made, but died for lack of a second; a different motion (based on a different option) was made, but died for lack of a second; a third motion (based on a third option) was made, seconded and passed 3-2.  The Council had a good debate, but folks just could not move others to their respective positions.

Looking ahead to March 18, we will likely have another light agenda as we will be short two Councilmembers – Councilman Joe Garcia will be representing Monrovia at the National League of Cities, and Councilman Clarence Shaw will be performing his Army Reserve service.

As always, if you have a question on any matter on the Council agenda, please feel free to contact me directly.

Habitat For Humanity “Key Ceremony” on March 6

At long last, on Saturday, March 6, four new families will be moving into the four-unit housing development on the 1200 block of Sherman Avenue.  Three years ago, this property was a blight on the surrounding neighborhood.  The Monrovia Redevelopment Agency (MRA) purchased the property, cleared it, and later began working with Habitat For Humanity.  The ultimate development agreement between the MRA and Habitat facilitated a flurry of activity, donations of time, treasure and talent, and resulted in four quality homes for four families who might not otherwise have been able to realize the dream of homeownership.

Congratulations to Mayor Lutz and the Council on this great partnership, and thanks to MRA and Planning Division staff Lauren Vasquez and Barbara Lynch for getting this project in the ground.

Articles Attached Below

• Superintendent's Corner: Living in a Recession Environment - School districts are at the mercy of Sacramento – an unintended consequence of Prop 13.  While I doubt voters will ever surrender the tax protections afforded under Prop 13, we do need to reevaluate the way we fund government services in this state.
• Hospital Expanding into Monrovia - Great news for Monrovia and congratulations to the folks at Samuelson & Fetter for landing this great tenant.
• Two Monrovia gang members convicted of attempted murder - Justice is served; only too bad the wheels seem to turn so slowly at times.

Arbor Day Celebration

On Wednesday, March 3 at 4 p.m. in Library Park, the Recreation Division, Youth Commission and the Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) hosted the annual Arbor Day celebration.  These dedicated young individuals combined talents and resources to plan the event for a person who meant a tremendous amount to the community, the Monrovia Unified School District, and many youth, Mrs. Gail La Bau.  More than 115 people attended this year’s event as well as many members of the La Bau family.

Mrs. LaBau served as a Board Member for the Monrovia Public Library for 12 years.  She taught at Monrovia High School and Santa Fe Middle School for more than 30 years, receiving the Teacher of the Year Award.  Mrs. LaBau passed away on June 7, 2009.  The youth were proud to honor her memory on Arbor Day.

Youth Sports Games Recap

The first round of League Tournament play for Youth Basketball was held on Wednesday, March 3.  The first game of the day featured the No. 1 seed Mayflower Mariners against the No. 4 seed Wild Rose Bears.  Mayflower put on an offensive output, winning the game 47-27.  The second game featured No. 2 seed Monroe Lions versus the No. 3 seed Bradoaks Bobcats. Both teams played well with Monroe pulling out the victory 36-23.  The Championship game on March 10 will feature the Monroe Lions versus the Mayflower Mariners, and the consolation game will be played between the Bradoaks Bobcats and the Wild Rose Bears.  Cheerleading teams performed at halftime and will be getting ready for the Final Cheer Competition on March 10.  For additional information regarding the Youth Sports Program, please contact the Department of Community Services at 626.256.8246.

Monrovian Older American of the Year

The City of Monrovia, Department of Community Services, is accepting nominations for the 2010, Older American of the Year Award.  This award is presented to a Monrovia senior who is 60 years of age or older, working or retired and still actively involved in volunteer service to others in Monrovia.  The purpose of this award is to seek out, honor and encourage older persons to remain active in the mainstream of the community.  Nomination forms are available at the Monrovia Community Center or by email request at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The City of Monrovia award winner will be recognized at the April 15 Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and at the Los Angeles County Commission on Aging celebration on May 19.  For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Service at 626.256.8246.

Green Accord Outreach by Community Services

Canyon Park staff presented environmentally based assemblies to five elementary schools in the Monrovia Unified School District during the month of February; 443 Second Grade students experienced how using the concepts of the 5 Rs (Reduce, Reject, Reuse, Recycle and Respect) could empower them to become good stewards of the earth’s resources.  This interactive curriculum-based program was developed in collaboration with the school district and addresses the Green Accord’s goal to create a more sustainable community.

Teens Enjoy First Movie Night at the Library

More than 40 high school-aged teens enjoyed movies at the Library the evening of Friday, February 19 in the Library’s Community Room.  The movies were  presented by the Teen Advisory Board and sponsored by the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library.  More movie nights are planned for teens and families in the months ahead.  The Teens watched Transformers 2 and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Teen Tech Week is March 7-13

The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library assisted with the purchase of a Wii for the Teen Advisory Board, permitting the young adult group to sponsor the library’s first gaming tournament for teenagers as part of the nationally celebrated Teen Tech Week.  The tournament will be in the Library’s Community Room on Wednesday, March 10 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and is open to middle and high school students.  For additional information, pleases contact the Library at 626.256.8274.

Little Leprechauns Wanted

Celebrate the wearin’ o’ the green a bit early on Saturday, March 13 at the Library.  Stories, songs, film and crafts will honor St. Patrick’s Day.  The fun begins at 2 p.m.  This is a free program for all ages.

The Magic of Great Adventurers

Magic is still in the air at Great Adventurers for a few more weeks.  Second through Fifth Graders are invited to spend a delightful Wednesday afternoon learning all about magic and the Library, Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.  For additional information, please call the Library at (626) 256-8274 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Personnel responded to 72 emergency calls from 0800 hours February 23 to 0800 hours March 2.

Fire Prevention And New Construction

The Prevention Bureau completed the final fire sprinkler walk-through on the new 166-unit Courtyard apartments at 700 South Myrtle Avenue.  We will be doing a final fire life alarm test today on all floors with the help of Engine 101 and Squad 101.  The owners are planning an April opening according to the job superintendent.

The final fire sprinkler test was completed on the new four-unit Habitat for Humanity project located on Sherman Way.

We are in the process of reviewing the plans for the new 25,000-square-foot Live Oak Church located at 1307 South Myrtle, a building that has been vacant for a few years.

Training And Emergency Preparedness

The Training Division has continued their focus on the new SCBA implementation training this week.  The Fire Department has taken a methodical and focused approach to this training.  The intent is to work diligently to help our personnel become as comfortable (with the units) as possible before placing the units into service.

At this pace, we are right on track with this training and expect to have our goal accomplished by the implementation date of March 17.

Captain John Rooks, Captain Ryan Phillips and Captain Brad Dover have been the main instructors throughout this process.  They have each dedicated countless hours of study, preparation and instruction to this project.  Though our task is not yet completed, these individuals should be commended for their consistent effort and determination to make the project successful.

Once SCBA implementation training is completed these Captains will move on to USAR training, HAZMAT training and Wildland training; all in preparation for next year’s brush fire season.  

Administrative Items

The Fire Department continues to on the organization and the people to assure that we are maximizing our service to the community through these continued difficult economic times.  This week, the Department continued its leadership training of all employees from Captain rank and below, discussing collaboration in the workplace.  The discussion centered around having members take an honest appraisal of their individual personality traits, communication styles and behaviors within the fire stations and community, on and off duty.

The projected impact of this internal leadership training is to have members begin to truly appreciate one another’s individuality, thereby allowing communication to have more meaning and impact on the individual as well as the department.  Workplace productivity, especially within the task force groups, will improve significantly allowing incremental transition to be implemented throughout the Department.

On the subject of task force groups, the Department announced membership in seven newly-formed workgroups that will begin work focusing on the following topics:  Strategic Plan Update; Standard Operating Procedures Development; Operational Directives Development; Training Committee; Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Development; Centennial Celebration; and the Historical Committee.  Each task force will each be lead by a Chief Officer and will certainly play a role in defining our success in the next 12 to 18 months as we focus on the organization and the people.

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 515 service events, resulting in 109 investigations.  Following are the last week’s highlighted issues and events:

Commercial Burglary / False Identification to a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested

On February 25 at 11:28 a.m., an officer responded to a theft report at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington.  Store loss prevention personnel detained a subject for attempting to steal a suitcase filled with merchandise.  When taken into custody, the suspect presented false identification to the officer.  His true identity was later confirmed and he was booked for the appropriate charges.  His criminal history revealed he is a prior deported felon and an ICE hold was obtained.

Residential Burglary

On February 26 at 3:41 p.m., police responded to the report of a residential burglary in the 400 block of West Central.  Unknown suspects forced entry and ransacked the residence.  Investigation is continuing.

Structure Fire

On February 26 at 9:33 p.m., officers responded to the call of a structure fire and possible gas leak at a residence in the 600 block of Terrado.  The house and homes in the immediate area were evacuated.  Monrovia Fire Department responded and extinguished a small fire in the garage.  The gas was turned off, the structure was saved and there were no injuries.  The origin of the fire was the area of the washer, dryer and water heater.  The exact cause is not known, but arson was not suspected.

Suspicious Circumstances

On February 27 at 10:52 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain reported a vadalism to their backdoor.  Store loss prevention personnel had been alerted to a series of burglaries at different stores, where entry was forced from the outside.  When they checked their rear entrance on Evergreen, they discovered a hole had been drilled in the door and patched.  They removed the patch material and discovered the wires to the security system had been cut.  The officer took a report and will make advisements to other agencies regarding this incident.  Officers also went to the larger local retail stores in the area and advised them to be vigilant regarding suspicious activity of this nature.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested

On February 28 at 4:13 a.m., police received multiple calls reporting a collision in the 100 block of West Olive.  When officers arrived, they found a vehicle had collided into a parked vehicle and then struck city street light.  Monrovia Fire Department responded and checked the occupants.  During the investigation, it was determined the driver was driving under the influence.  The driver was arrested. 

Mountain Lion Sighting

On March 1 at 7:40 p.m., several residents in the 1100 block of Norumbega reported seeing an adult mountain lion.  The animal was seen walking across front yards by residents that were inside their homes. It did not represent an immediate threat.  There was no interaction with the animal and no loss of pets reported.  Officers responded, but the animal had left the area and efforts to locate it were unsuccessful.  A telephonic notification was made to neighbors in the area to advise them of the sighting.

Burglary

On March 3 at 9:58 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of West Foothill.  The reporting party told him he had closed up the night before at 9:30 p.m. and locked up the location.  He returned in the morning and found someone had broken off the lock on an outdoor shed that contains supplies, but it appears nothing was taken.  Investigation continuing.

Vandalism / Theft

On March 3 at 2:14 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Wildrose regarding five juveniles seen tagging in the alley.  Officers arrived and saw fresh spray paint on garages and walls in three locations.  They conducted an area check and detained two subjects matching the descriptions given by the reporting party.  The two juveniles were positively identified by the witness as being involved in the tagging.  Officers recovered a spray paint can from one of the juveniles, which had been stolen from Wildrose School.  The tagging in this incident is similar to the tagging in numerous other incidents reported to police.  Investigation continuing.

Burglary

On March 3 at 3:36 p.m., an officer went to the 900 block of West Duarte regarding a burglary.  The reporting party told him his residence had been broken into overnight.  The residence is part of a complex that was being fumigated and was tented.  The officer took the initial information, but could not enter the location to investigate due to the hazard.  He will return when the location is safe to enter and complete his investigation.

Monrovia Parks Need Your Help!

Our City parks and facilities were again tagged with graffiti.  Parks staff spent six hours cleaning Rotary Park.  Public Works and the Police Department need your help to curb the on-going graffiti problems.  If you suspect vandalism at the parks, or on any property in Monrovia, please call 9-1-1 or (626) 357-CELL (2355) from cell phones.  The caller may remain anonymous.  If a suspect is located and arrested for vandalism, the caller will receive a $100 bill.  For more information regarding the City’s Stop Graffiti Program, call the Community Policing Bureau at (626) 256-8000.

What’s happening at Library Park?

The west area of the Library Park was seeded for grass on March 1.  It will require about six to eight weeks before the grounds may be open to the public for recreation.

Arbor Day ceremonies were held on the east side of the park on Wednesday, March 3.

Street Improvements

Work continues on the 700 block of South Myrtle Avenue.  The Streets, Parks, Facilities and Utilities crews poured the final sections of stamped concrete, the irrigation system was completed, the street lights were wired and power was supplied from the new electrical services.  The street still requires striping and some final touches will be installed over the next few weeks.

Caltrans Sound Wall Project

The contractor is making progress on the street crossings and freeway work.  Steel pilings with their support systems and concrete are being poured. 

Engineering Inspections

• 700 S. Myrtle
• 400 W. Huntington Drive
• 1024 Norumbega
• 1214-1218 Sherman Way
• 983 Norumbega
• 414 Royal Oaks
• 414 Royal Oaks Street Resurfacing
• 125 E. Colorado
• Edison Power Pole Replacements
• 424 W. Walnut
• 978 Norumbega
• 721 E. Palm
• 106 James Town
• Cal-Trans/Metro
• Monrovia High School Sewer Main Construction
• 2 Hidden Valley
• 826 Oakdale
• 486 Patrician Way
• Rule 20 Project
• 1800 Santa Fe Place
• 899½ W. Foothill
• 366 Beechworth
• 331 W. Colorado
• 601 S. Myrtle Ave.
• 1305 Sherman Ave.
• 900 S. Myrtle Ave
• 924 W. Huntington Dr.
• Traffic Signal Repairs
• Fire Station 102 on Myrtle – green light replaced.
• Duarte/Mountain – displayed a four way flash on Saturday, February 27th. Intersection was reset to normal function the same afternoon.

Street Light Repairs

• 116, 132, 140, 148, 149 W. Lime Ave.
• 300, 328, 400 S. Primrose Ave.

Well Field

A new fence was installed at the west side (Peck Road) vehicle entrance of the Well Field site this week, this a direct result from a vehicle ramming through the gate on February 5, 2010.  The incident is currently under investigation.

Miscellaneous Maintenance

• Fire Station 102 - Rear roll-up vehicle door repaired.
• Police Station – Women’s restroom sink repaired.
• City Hall Annex – Rear door lock repaired.
• Library – Repaired two HVAC units.

Customer Service

• 2,245 water meters were read and recorded
• 24 Utility Work orders were completed
• 1 water meter lid was replaced
• 10 water meters were replaced
• 1 water service was reactivated
• 96 shut-off notices were completed
• 19 private backflow devices were tested
• 300 backflow Device test notices were mailed

Water Production

Water consumption is 29.1 million gallons, a decrease of 10% compared to reported water usage at this time last year. Rainfall totals for February were 5.54” and 17.89” for the season.  This is an increase of 33% compared to this time last year.

Department of Health Services Required Water Samples

• 31 water system samples
• 15 well samples
• 6 water treatment facility samples

Utility Maintenance

• 1 – 1” water service was installed
• 2 – 1” water services were repaired
• 3 – 1” angle valves were replaced
• 17,000 feet of sewer mains were cleaned
• 1,200 feet of sewer mains were video inspected
• 9 water main system valves were operated and inspected
• 14 underground service alert utility location requests were completed
• 1 Fire hydrant was inspected and flushed
• Maintenance was performed on the Canyon Park septic system