HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/07/2017 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017
CALL TO ORDER — Mayor Beck called the regular and special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Amundson, Chandler, Tay, Verlato, and Beck
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS - No one appeared.
CLOSED SESSION
a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) to confer with legal counsel
regarding the Worker's Compensation case of Deborah Cuddihy.
b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) to confer with legal counsel
regarding potential litigation — one (1) case.
No reportable action was taken on the Closed Session items.
The Closed Session ended at 6:57 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER — Mayor Beck called the regular meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
INVOCATION — First Reader Kristen Bennett, First Church of Christ
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Arcadia Boy Scouts, Troop 104
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Amundson, Chandler, Tay, Verlato, and Beck
ABSENT: None
REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Deitsch announced that the City Council met in a Closed Session to consider the
one item listed on the posted agenda under Closed Session, no reportable action was taken;
and also the City Council conducted a Special Meeting in order to conduct a Closed Session to
consider the one item listed on the Special Meeting notice; he indicated that it related to
anticipated litigation regarding Public Hearing item 1.a, and no reportable action taken.
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
City Manager Lazzaretto reported the four supplemental items which have been distributed to
the City Council prior to the meeting. The first three items related to Public Hearing item 1.a --
(1) an e-mail from Arcadians Against Residential Towers regarding information they feel is
missing from the staff report; (2) a letter from South Coast Air Quality Management District
regarding emissions from the proposed generator on the site; and (3) a duplicate of Attachment
No. 20 (already part of the staff report) from the Applicant. The fourth item was regarding City
Manager item 3.a, an e-mail from Arcadia residents Gary and Cindy Forillo, requesting the City
Council consider coyote trapping.
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. Presentation of Mayor's Certificate of Commendation to long-time resident Carol
Libby for her many years of dedicated service to the City of Arcadia.
1. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Appeal of the Planning Commission denial of Conditional Use Permit No. CUP
15-03, Architectural Design Review No. ADR 15-06, and Wireless Regulation
Waiver Request No. W 15-01 for the revised proposal for a new wireless
communication facility housed in a 53'-0" tall, faux bell tower structure in the
southeasterly portion of the parking lot at The Church of the Transfiguration
property at 1881 South First Avenue. (Continued from the November 15, 2016,
and January 17, 2017, meeting).
Resolution No. 7154 approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 15-03,
Architectural Design Review No. ADR 15-06, and Wireless Regulation Waiver
Request No. W 15-01 with a Categorical Exemption under the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") for the revised proposal for a new wireless
communication facility housed in a 53'-0" tall, faux bell tower structure in the
southeasterly portion of the parking lot at The Church of the Transfiguration
property at 1881 South First Avenue.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 7154 Granting the Appeal and
Approving the Applications
Community Development Administrator Kasama presented the staff report.
Attorney Gail Karish, of the City Attorney office from Best, Best and Krieger, addressed the
timelines for action of Verizon's appeal and waiver request.
Doug Dickenson, from Commvergent Technologies, appeared and addressed questions
regarding the Consultant's Review Report of the Waiver Request.
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Paul Albritton, attorney for Applicant, Verizon Wireless, appeared and explained the reasons
why the City Council should approve the proposed wireless communication facility.
Radio Frequency Engineers, appeared on behalf of Verizon to explain the design of proposed
bell tower.
Dr. Jerald T. Bushberg, on behalf of Verizon, appeared and addressed questions regarding the
Radio Frequency Emissions report.
Mayor Beck opened the public hearing.
Reverend Julie Bryant, Director of The Church of the Transfiguration, appeared and expressed
their support regarding the proposed wireless communication facility.
Katy Mui, representing Arcadians Against Residential Towers, appeared and explained why
they are opposed to the proposed cell tower and urged the City Council to uphold the Planning
Commission's decision to deny Verizon's proposal for a new wireless communication facility.
Dr. Charles Millner, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his support of the proposed
cell tower; and explained why the City Council should approve the proposed wireless
communication facility.
Gary Schwarz, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated that Arcadians Against Residential
Towers will provide the City Council with substantial evidence in an effort to deny Verizon's
application.
Rachel Lin, an Arcadia resident and representative of Arcadians Against Residential Towers,
appeared and expressed the reasons why the Verizon cell tower is not needed; and indicated
that Verizon has not proven that there is a significant gap as they claim.
William Lee, an Arcadia resident and representative of Arcadians Against Residential Towers,
appeared and stated that Verizon's data proves that there is great cell phone coverage in and
around the site of the proposed cell tower; he referred to data on the Verizon website and
indicated that this is the reason why the cell tower is not necessary.
Mark Xiong, an Arcadia resident and representative of Arcadians Against Residential Towers,
appeared and also stated that Verizon's evidence does not support their claims that there is a
significant gap; and explained the reasons why he is against the proposed cell tower.
Kent Lai, an Arcadia resident and representative of Arcadians Against Residential Towers,
appeared and expressed his concerns for the safety of his daughter, the school children,
teachers and staff at the preschool located at the proposed cell tower site; and stated that the
cell tower would not aesthetically fit in their neighborhood.
Carol Bush introduced Kendrick Moore, a third grade student at Arcadia Christian Elementary
School, who expressed his concerns for his classmates, his sister, and the students attending
the preschool next to the proposed cell tower site; and asked the City Council not to approve the
installation of the Verizon cell tower.
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Carol Bush, a local realtor and board member at Arcadia Christian School, appeared and
expressed her concerns regarding the location of the proposed Verizon cell tower; and asked
the City Council to consider creating setback zones, fall zones, or relocating the proposed cell
tower.
Debbie Priester, an Arcadia resident and representative of Arcadians Against Residential
Towers, appeared and explained the why she is against the proposed Verizon cell tower; she
stated that Verizon must comply with all five CUP requirements, but failed to comply with three
of the five CUP requirements; and urged the City Council to deny Verizon's waiver request.
Clement Ho, an Arcadia resident and representative of Arcadians Against Residential Towers,
also appeared and explained the reasons why the City Council should deny Verizon's waiver
request.
Eli Tsou, an Arcadia resident, appeared and explained why the Verizon cell tower is
unnecessary; he stated that he questions Verizon's claims of a significant gap; and that there is
no issue with cell phone coverage in the vicinity of the proposed cell tower.
Edward Mui, an Arcadia resident, appeared and urged the City Council to deny Verizon's
request; he requested the City Council to consider small cell coverage to fill the supposed gap;
and stated that Verizon's analysis is inadequate, inaccurate, inconsistent, misleading, and the
most intrusive of all options.
Steve Rhee, an Arcadia resident, appeared and provided the City Council with pictures of cell
towers placed at a middle school near a preschool his children attended; and expressed his
concerns against the Verizon cell tower, and accused Verizon of misleading the people.
Miriam Bachmeier, an Arcadia resident, appeared and provided her reasons why the proposed
cell tower should be denied; and expressed concerns over the size and possible growth over
time.
Vincent Cheng, an Arcadia resident, appeared and explained the why he is against the
construction of the proposed cell tower; he stated that Verizon's application misrepresents the
height of the cell tower in the photo simulation; and urged the City Council to deny their request.
Amy Liu, an Arcadia resident, appeared and also explained the reasons why she is opposed to
the construction of the proposed cell tower; she stated three areas of concern are the
aesthetics, the noise level of the generator, and commercial equipment in a residential area;
and urged the City Council to deny Verizon cell tower project.
Mimi Quan, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her concerns regarding the open roof
of the proposed cell tower and the building materials proposed to be used to construct the bell
tower; she indicated that the open roof would allow room for growth; and urged the City Council
to deny the request.
Eric Choi, an Arcadia resident, appeared and explained the reasons why the cell tower would
affect property values in the area; and he urged the City Council to respect the wishes of the
residents and deny the location of the proposed cell tower.
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Susanna Chung, an Arcadia resident, appeared and read a letter from Henry Ray, a realtor,
which expressed concern on the impact of home sales in the surrounding neighborhoods near
the cell tower, and the potential decline in property values; and urged the City Council on behalf
of Arcadia citizens to deny the request.
Becky Bryant, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated that property values will greatly
diminish due to the aesthetics and potential health risks due to the installation of the proposed
cell tower; she indicated the need for the cell tower in order to connect 9-1-1 calls is a
misperception; and urged the City Council to deny Verizon's request.
Erika Chi, an Arcadia resident and representative of Arcadians Against Residential Towers,
appeared and submitted a petition signed by 90 members of Arcadians Against Residential
Towers who oppose the proposed cell tower; she provided the reasons why they are against the
cell tower and urged the City Council to deny the request.
Ken Obst, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that the cell tower would be a
monstrosity and intrusive to the neighborhood; and explained the reasons why the City Council
should not approve the waiver.
James Helms, former Mayor and Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his support of the
cell tower; he shared a personal experience that occurred with his neighbor when she tried to
call 9-1-1 and the call would not be connected to the Police Department; he expressed the
importance of having a cell tower in his area and the reasons why the proposed cell tower
should be approved.
Shirley Thomas, an Arcadia resident, appeared and explained the reasons why she is opposed
to the proposed cell tower; that she lives behind the Church, and has never had an issue with
cell phone coverage in the area.
Mr. Albritton, attorney representing Verizon, appeared and responded to comments made by
the public speakers; he responded to questions raised by Mayor Beck regarding the strength of
the cell tower, the generator, and the type of materials proposed to be used.
City Manager Lazzaretto asked Mr. Albritton to respond to the comment made by the speaker
who stated Verizon unfairly looked at an unreasonably small area for alternative sites.
In response to City Manager Lazzaretto's request, Mr. Albritton explained the process of how
the Engineers determined the location of the proposed cell tower site.
In response to Council Member Verlato's question regarding sufficient parking spaces at the
Church, Community Development Administrator Kasama responded that there are sufficient
parking spaces and that the parking lot would be in compliance with ADA requirements.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Verlato regarding the significant gap and
difference in data and voice service, Attorney Karish responded that Verizon records claim there
is a significant gap in data streaming, not voice service.
A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by
Council Member Tay, and seeing no further objection, Mayor Beck declared the public hearing
closed.
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It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amundson, seconded by Council Member Verlato, and carried
on roll call vote that staff bring back to the next regular City Council meeting of February 21,
2017, for consideration, Resolution No. 7154 to include findings based on fact to deny the
application and deny the appeal.
AYES: Amundson, Verlato, Tay, and Beck
NOES: Chandler
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jennifer Lu, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated that she received a letter from the City
asking her to trim the shrubs on her driveway; she indicated the shrubs are there to prevent
lost/stolen packages, and shared an incident that occurred with the loss of two iPhones; and
asked the City Council for guidance and suggested a six foot tall fence as a possible solution.
City Manager Lazzaretto referred Ms. Lu to Deputy Development Services Director/City
Engineer Wray.
Joanne Foon, an Arcadia resident, who left the meeting due to the time, but provided a letter
requesting the City Council explore the possibility of become a "sanctuary city."
Due to the time, Mayor Beck moved City Manager item 3.a regarding coyotes to be discussed at
this time, then reports from the City Council, and then Consent Calendar.
3. CITY MANAGER
a. Report, discussion and direction regarding coyotes in residential neighborhoods.
Recommended Action: Provide Direction to continue public education and
outreach efforts
City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report.
Linda Semain, a resident of the Santa Oaks Homeowner Association, appeared and expressed
her concerns regarding the coyote problem in her neighborhood, including the safety of dogs,
and her grandchildren; and urged the City Council to take action before a child is injured.
Donna Perez, an Arcadia resident, appeared and also expressed her concerns regarding the
coyote problem; she shared an incident that occurred when a coyote attacked her small dog;
she provided statistics regarding coyote attacks in Southern California; and also urged the City
Council to take action before a child is injured.
Gordon Penharlow, an Arcadia resident, also appeared and expressed his concerns regarding
the coyotes and the safety of the community, his neighborhood, and his grandchildren; and
requested help from the City.
Kenneth Mar, an Arcadia resident, also appeared and expressed his concerns regarding the
growing coyote population; he indicated that he no longer allows his dogs loose in the backyard;
he shared his concerns for his neighborhood and the community; and asked the City Council for
their support and action regarding the growing problem with coyotes.
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Debbie Priester, an Arcadia resident, also appeared and shared her concerns and experience
with the coyotes; and urged the City Council to take some action.
Rachel Lynn, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed the same concerns of the other
speakers regarding the coyote problem; she indicated that the coyotes are living comfortably in
vacant homes and vacant lots; and urged the City to address their concerns immediately.
Julie Bank, a representative of the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, appeared and
discussed the coyote problem in all surrounding cities; and indicated that they are prepared and
committed to meet and educate residents on how to co-exist with coyotes.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Verlato regarding coyotes living in vacant
homes; Ms. Bank provided information regarding the deterrence of coyotes in vacant homes,
and offered the services of the Pasadena Humane Society to work with residents and the City to
try and address those issues.
It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on
roll call vote to appropriate $20,000 every year in the budget for coyote trapping, and continued
public education and outreach; and directed staff to prepare an ordinance which grants access
to vacant properties to inspect for wildlife and other issues.
YES: Chandler, Tay, Verlato, Amundson, and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the
City Council related to meetings attended at City expense[AB 1234])
Mayor Pro Tern Amundson had no comments.
Council Member Chandler reported that burglaries have been on the rise since Proposition 47
passed and referenced a newspaper article wherein the City of Whittier has also reported a rise
in crime since the passing of Proposition 47; he stated that burglaries and coyotes are a serious
issue in Arcadia and indicated that he would like to see an article in the next newsletter
regarding crime in Arcadia.
Council Member Verlato announced that on Saturday she attended an amazing performance at
the Arcadia Performing Arts Center, that Steve Tyrrel will be performing in May, and encouraged
everyone to attend; she also announced that on Sunday she presented four Cub Scouts with the
Supernova Award and a Mayor's Certificate of Commendation; she also attended the Tzu Chi
New Year Blessing event with Council Member Tay and commented on some of the activities
and entertainment at the event; and noted that the School District election is coming up and
encouraged everyone to vote Yes on Measure A.
Council Member Tay noted that he received a phone call from an individual complimenting the
Public Works Services Department staff for their efficiency, and thanked Public Works Services
Director Tom Tait and the staff for their quick response in resolving the issue; he announced that
on February 1, he attended the City Council Goal Setting workshop, and expressed the need for
more participation from the residents; he indicated that he enjoyed the Tzu Chi New Year
Blessing event he attended with Council Member Verlato; and announced that on February 8, is
Coffee with a Cop at the Arcadia Elks Lodge.
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City Clerk Glasco had no comments.
Mayor Beck had no comments.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2017.
Recommended Action: Approve
b. Purchase Order with National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of one 2017
Ford CNG F-550 heavy duty stake bed truck in the amount of$101,759.82.
Recommended Action: Approve
c. Resolution No. 7163 declaring that weeds, brush, rubbish, and refuse upon or in
front of specified property in the City are a seasonal and recurrent public
nuisance, and declaring an intention to provide for the abatement thereof.
Recommended Action: Adopt
It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on
roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a through 2.c.
AYES: Chandler, Tay, Verlato, Amundson, and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beck adjourned this meeting at 1:18 a.m. in memory of longtime Arcadia resident William
Joseph Zeutzius to February 21, 2017, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference
Room.
Mayor of the City Arcadia
ATTEST:
1 dA---
C i Iieputy City Clerk/
Recp ds Manager
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