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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1a - Regular Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2015ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Pursuant to the adjournment of the February 17, 2015, Regular Meeting of the City Council, the Chief Deputy City Clerk appeared at the time and place of adjournment at 6:00 p.m. and announced that no quorum was present until 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wuo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. INVOCATION - Reverend Julie Bryant of Arcadia Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Hue Quach, Administrative Services Director ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Beck, Chandler, Kovacic, Tay, and Wuo ABSENT: None SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto requested that the Proclamation relating to Arbor Day be pulled from the agenda and rescheduled to the next regular meeting; and stated that additional information is being gathered before the presentation is made. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Council Member Tay, seconded by Council Member Chandler, to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. PRESENTATIONS a. Proclamation designating March 3, 2015, as "Arbor Day" (rescheduled to March 17, 2015 meeting) PUBLIC COMMENTS Jean Voznick, Arcadia Beautiful Commission Member, appeared and commented on the proposed dissolution of the Commission, as reported by Council Member Chandler at their last Arcadia Beautiful Commission meeting. Ethel Laczko, Arcadia Beautiful Commission Member, also appeared and commented on the proposed dissolution of the Commission, as reported by Council Member Chandler at the last Arcadia Beautiful Commission meeting. Laurie Thompson, President of the Santa Anita Village Architectural Review Board, appeared in support of adopting the ordinance regarding Sycamore trees. 03 -03 -15 Mike LaPorte, member of the Lower Rancho Architectural Review Board, appeared and expressed his support of preserving Sycamore trees; and advised that at 930 Monte Verde, two 50 year old City Ash trees were removed by the Public Works Services Department, and noted that approval of the design of the home was based on the trees that were removed. Carol Rosenthal, a resident of the Highland Oaks area, appeared and spoke in support of preserving the Sycamore trees. Vince Foley, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his opposition to the adoption of the Ordinance relating to Sycamore trees. Bob Harbicht, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his opposition to the adoption of the Ordinance relating to Sycamore trees, and urged the City Council to vote No. David Sullivan, president of the Santa Anita Oaks Homeowners Association, appeared and expressed his concerns about tree preservation. Carla Heer, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke in support of protecting the Sycamore trees and urged the City Council to adopt the Ordinance. Greg Vanni, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke in support of the adopting the Ordinance protecting the Sycamore trees. Qing Hu, an Arcadia resident appeared, and expressed his concerns about the crime and security of the residents in the City; and urged the City Council to make this a priority. Vergina Luk, an Arcadia resident, appeared and shared her experience when she was robbed in the parking lot of the 99 Ranch Super Market on February 24, and asked that the City help and educate the residents how to deal with the crime. Ms. Sharp appeared and read a letter on behalf of Lingling Shi, an Arcadia resident, which explained her experience when her home was burglarized when she was on vacation, and hopes the City can provide tips on how residents can secure their homes. Connie Liao, an Arcadia resident, appeared and also commented on the burglaries in Arcadia and is concerned that Arcadia is not safe; she indicated that the City should have more resources to prevent burglaries, and encouraged homeowners to install security cameras and expanded on the Neighborhood Watch Program and offered her assistance. David Lee, an Arcadia resident, appeared and also commented on the burglaries in Arcadia, and urged the City Council to bring the quality of life back to Arcadia so they do not have to live in fear, and urged the City Council to put more resources into making Arcadia a safe community. Roy McMeen, an Arcadia resident, appeared and commented on the cancellation of the China trip, and asked the City Council if there were strings attached to the donations given to the City. In response to the question raised by Mr. McMeen, City Manager Lazzaretto responded that there were no strings attached to the donations made to the City. 03 -03 -15 Mr. McMeen then suggested that instead of the City Council returning the donations received for the China trip, the City Council can give the money to the Police Department to increase security in the City. Brett Mitulski, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his opposition to the mansionization in South Arcadia. Randall Fowler, an Arcadia resident and member of the Recreation and Parks Commission, appeared and commented on tree preservation, and suggested the City Council review the tree Ordinance that was last updated in 1992. Jessie Ramirez, an Arcadia resident, appeared and commented on the City's Zoning Code; she expressed her understanding about changes, and that she came to Arcadia to raise her family; and thanked the Asian community for their contribution to the School's and the Performing Arts Center. David Arvizu, an Arcadia resident, appeared and commented on the monies donated to the City for the China trip, and feels that the money should be used for a program that will help residents learn how to deal with crime and how to be safe. Teri Muse, representative from Waste Management, appeared and provided updates on recycling in Arcadia and legislation. Gail Alexander, an Arcadia resident appeared and expressed her support to save trees in Arcadia. At the request of Mayor Wuo, Police Chief Guthrie provided information regarding the spike in burglaries in Arcadia; he also provided information on steps to take to be safe; and discussed the social media account that the Police Department recently set up to reach out to the Asian community, and other outreach efforts; he shared how the Police Department has utilized funds for crime prevention; he reminded the City Council and residents that, in 2014, there was a reduction of 30% to 45% in crimes compared to 2013, which included residential burglaries, auto thefts, and robberies throughout the City. In response to Mayor Wuo's request, Police Chief Guthrie provided tips on how to be safe in public places like shopping or business areas. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense CAB 1234]) Council Member Chandler commented on crime in the City, and advised residents to contact the Police Department when they see suspicious activities; and expressed his sympathy to the residents who experienced burglaries and robberies. Council Member Beck thanked all the residents who attended the City Council meeting to support Sycamore tree preservation; he commented on the cancelation trip to China; he thanked the speakers who commented on the City's Zoning Code and crime in the City; he confirmed that the City Council is aware of the spike in crime and commented that the Sycamore tree Ordinance would pass with three votes. 03 -03 -15 Council Member Tay announced the various events he attended; he noted that the City received the Congressional Award of Excellence from the Office of Congresswoman Judy Chu, and congratulated Director of Recreation and Community Services Sara Somogyi; he commented on the adoption of the Sycamore tree Ordinance and property rights; and offered that residents contact him if they would like to communicate with him via email or telephone. Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic thanked all the residents who attended the City Council meeting; he encouraged residents to call the Police Department if they suspect suspicious activity; he suggested that residents should be involved in the VIPS program to reduce crime; he indicated that he agreed with Mayor Wuo's comments regarding the China trip; and indicated that he had no problem keeping the donations if there was no perception. He announced the Mayor's Community Breakfast at the Community Center on Friday, March 13, and the guest speaker will be State Treasurer John Chiang, and on March 26 the Citizen of the Year dinner hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, on March 21 at the Performance Art Center, the high school musical performance "Hair Spray" and on March 27, the band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be playing; and he announced that the Arcadia High School Constitution Team will be competing at the National level. City Clerk Glasco commented on the crime in the City; he shared information regarding "crimemapping.com" and recommended that residents sign up for text messaging or emails; and stated that if anyone was interested in becoming a VIPS member, they should contact the Police Department Volunteer Coordinator. Mayor Wuo thanked to the speakers for their input regarding Sycamore trees, the Zoning Code and crimes in the City; he discussed the transit survey and encouraged residents to provide their input, which can be done online, and emphasized how important it was for the residents to provide their input so that the best decision is made for transit services in the City; and announced the Mayor's Community Breakfast on Friday, March 13 with State Treasurer John Chiang as the speaker. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2015, Special Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2015, and Regular Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2015. Recommended Action: Approve b. Ordinance No. 2323 amending Article IX, chapter 7 of the Arcadia Munici Code to add Sycamore Trees to the City's Tree Preservation Regulations. Recommended Action: Adopt Final Tract Map No. 72514 for an 18 -unit residential condominium subdivision at 825 Arcadia Avenue. Recommended Action: Approve Purchase of portable handheld and mobile unit radios from US Mobile Communications (Day Wireless) for the Police Department from the Equipment Replacement Fund in the amount of $101,497.67. Recommended Action: Approve 03 -03 -15 e. Accent all work Derformed by Mladen Buntich Construction Comaanv. Inc. for the Orange Grove Water Plant Disinfection and Rehabilitation project as complete and authorize the final payment to be made in accordance with the contract documents, subject to the retention of $6,677.72. Recommended Action: Approve Contract extension with Vargas Olson Enterprises, Inc. for construction maintenance services at various City facilities in the amount of $132,213. Recommended Action: Approve Council Member Chandler asked that Consent Calendar Item 1.b be pulled for discussion. It was moved by Council Member Tay seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 1.a and 1.c through 1.f. AYES: Council Member Tay, Kovacic, Chandler, Tay, and Wuo NOES: None Council Member Chandler explained why he voted against the adoption of the Ordinance protecting Sycamore trees. It was moved by Council Member Beck seconded by Council Member Tay and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 1.b. AYES: Council Member Beck, Tay, Kovacic, and Wuo NOES: Council Member Chandler 2. CITY MANAGER a. Reconsideration of trip to China and Taiwan by Members of the City Council and City staff and associated donations. Recommended Action: Cancel the trip to China and Taiwan and return each of the three donations City Manager Lazzaretto explained the reason for the cancellation of the China and Taiwan trip by members of the City Council and City staff and associated donations. He provided the names of the donors; and indicated that the City has not received the $30,000, and confirmed that there were no strings attached to the donations. City Manager Lazzaretto encouraged anybody who wanted to donate to the City, they can contact the foundations that exist to support various City functions. Council Member Beck and Mayor Wuo both announced that they will reimburse the City for any cancellation fees. Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic expressed his disappointment about the cancelation of the China trip. It was moved by Council Member Chandler seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on roll call vote to cancel the trip to China and Taiwan and return each of the three donations, if they are received in the future. 03 -03 -15 AYES: Council Member Chandler, Tay, Beck, Kovacic, and Wuo NOES: None ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wuo adjourned this meeting in memory of long -time Arcadia residents Lynda Farrell and Dr. Robert Costarella, and former Arcadia High School Drum Major Kyle Terry at 9:08 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, 2015, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room. Lisa Mussenden Chief Deputy City Clerk /Records Manager 03 -03 -15