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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Artesia City Council Repeats its Opposition To Dismantling Redevelopment Agencies

By Jerry Bernstein

The Artesia City Council reiterated its opposition to Governor Jerry Brown’s proposal to abolish Redevelopment Agencies in California by July 1 at its Feb. 14 meeting. The council also took offense to a statement made by at a joint sub-committee hearing of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation by Rep. Dickinson (D-Sacramento) that due to the States budget crisis, Redevelopment Agencies are not in a place where they can just say no to the Governor’s proposal. He commented there was a need to revise how property tax revenue was distributed. His comment was echoed by the joint committee Co-Chairs Rep. Buchanan (D-Alamo) and Rep. Perea (D- Fresno).
Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo said he was not very happy about that statement. He said it was ridiculous that “we who have such a stake in this proposal are not being consulted. Apparently we’re suppose to just take it in the stomach.” He said if this attitude continues to exist we have to contact members of the legislature we have connections with just to make sure our voice is being heard.
In other business the Council continued to a special meeting on Feb 28 a request by Roger Patel who needs 13 additional parking spaces for expansion of his restaurant on Pioneer Boulevard. Patel is seeking to pay a parking In-Lieu parking fee until such time as firm plans are adopted to provide permanent parking in the downtown area. Discussion centered on a surface parking lot or construction of a parking structure on 186th Street and Corby Avenue and/or surface parking on the MTA Right of Way on the east side of Pioneer Boulevard. Patel said he is losing money since the tenant has vacated the premises to make room for the expansion of the restaurant.
The Council awarded a contract to Ventura Construction, Inc. in the amount of $138,400 for construction of modular restroom facilities in the area immediately to the rear of the Historic District Museum and will serve the museum and the Old Fire Station Museum.
In December 2007 the Redevelopment Agency issued tax increment bonds for the project.
In December 2010 staff reported that $966,965.00 was the available balance in the Historical District project funds. The restroom project is one of several projects slated for the district.
In other business the Council approved nine applications for fireworks stand permits at $150 per permit. Seeking a permit were the Cerritos Rod & Gun Club, Gahr High School Band Boosters, Gahr High School Sports Program, Cerritos High School Band Boosters, Cerritos High School Football, Artesia Punishers, Ross Middle School Arts, Parents of 593, and Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Voting against the permits was
Concilmember John Lyons, who said he is against having fireworks in the city.
The Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for an automobile service station and mini-mart located at 16809 Pioneer Blvd. The property is located on the Commercial General (CG) Zone. Applicant is Salb Alababadi.
The Council also approved a non-exclusive agreement for Youth Baseball Officiator services with Albert Bustos. Parks and Recreation Superintendent Melissa Gobas told the council Bustos has been providing umpire services for the youth baseball/softball league since 2008.
In other business the council continued a discussion on whether to permit bingo in the city to its next meeting. Councilmembers appeared confused on the type of Bingo they were discussing. Councilmember Michele Diaz said her idea was to raise money for charities. However, there appeared to be confusion on whether they were thinking about a Bingo Club similar to the one in Hawaiian Gardens or fundraising bingo permitted by many cities for churches and/or service clubs that play once a week under a city permit.

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