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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2a - Special Meeting Minutes of September 7, 2017, and Regular Meeting Minutes of September 19, 2017 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Amundson called the Special Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California. INVOCATION – Mayor Peter Amundson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Beck ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beck, Chandler, Verlato, Tay and Amundson ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS – no one appeared. PUBLIC HEARING (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) a. Public Hearing to receive public comments on the transition to district based elections. Recommended Action: Conduct a public hearing to receive public input and provide direction Dr. Justin Levitt, Vice President, National Demographics Corp., appeared and explained the districting criteria relating to the federal laws and traditional criteria including census and block geography; he provided a summary of the 12 maps received from the public and the 6 draft maps prepared by National Demographics, and provided an overview of the key features of the maps including whether they were population balanced; he also provided sequencing scenarios regarding Council Member terms, and election year options, but indicated that no current City Council terms are affected. City Manager Lazzaretto announced for the record emails received from residents indicating their map preference as follows: Marianne Boyd, 430 E. Wistaria Avenue – Green Map Michael Lieber, 245 W. Palm Drive – Green Map Jerry Durgerian, Arcadia resident - Green Map Dean Radle, Arcadia resident - Green Map Hank Voznick, 565 Gloria Road - Orange Map Tim Rhee, Arcadia resident - Green Map Mayor Amundson opened the public hearing, and indicated that each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. Richard A. McDonald, Esq., representing the Chinese American Equalization Association, appeared and provided some suggestions on where the City goes from here and election dates; he indicated that Maps L, B and A, and Maps Teal and Maroon avoid lawsuits, keeps the homeowners associations together and achieves three majority Asian districts; he suggested larger maps that plot out where each Council Member resides, schools, boundaries of the homeowner associations, churches, significant historic and cultural resources, and anything the residents think is a community of interest; and indicated that they would agree and support moving the City General Municipal election date to November 2018. Mike Vercillo, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that he supports the Green Map, and provided the reasons. Brett Mitulski, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke about neighborhood unity; and indicated that he supports the Orange Map, and provided the reasons. Sheng Chang, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that he supports Maps L or B, and provided the reasons; he recommended moving the election date to November 2018, and suggested electing all 5 seats at the same time in June or November of 2018, which he feels would save the City $100,000, and feels that the money should be spent in the police department for the safety of the citizens; and requested that four senior current and past City Council members not run in 2018 or future elections. Peter Olson, an Arcadia resident and President of the Santa Anita Oaks Homeowners Association, appeared and indicated that he supports the Orange Map, and provided the reasons. Roger Nemrava, an Arcadia resident and Member of the Highland Oaks Homeowner Association, appeared and indicated that he supports the Orange Map, and provided the reasons. Gary Kovacic, an Arcadia resident, appeared and shared his concerns regarding district based elections, and the maps presented. Noreen McLennan, an Arcadia resident, appeared and was concerned that she did not see her street included in any of the presented maps. Howard Ursetti, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that the map he presented (Map L) was split up based on school districts, but it did not qualify because it was not population balanced; he indicated that he still supports Map L, which was updated by Mr. McDonald and would support any map similar to Map L which incorporates school district communities of interest. Julie Lim, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that she supports the Orange Map, and provided the reasons. Tim Burch, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke about fairness, and indicated that he favored the Orange Map. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, and seeing no objection, Mayor Amundson declared the public hearing closed. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council that the following seven maps be brought back for further studying and consideration: Public Map K with a modification as necessary to make it legally defensible, Public Maps A, B, and L, and the Green, Orange, and Purple Maps. City Manager Lazzaretto suggested to Dr. Levitt that when modifying Map K, that the Santa Anita Race Track be placed in a district that is most impacted by it. In response to Council Member Verlato’s inquiry, Dr. Levitt reminded the City Council that no current City Council terms are affected; that the City Council has the ability to decide which districts are up in which year, and he provided some sequencing scenarios. b. Consideration of changing City General Municipal Election dates in order to comply with California Senate Bill 415. Recommended Action: Provide direction as to which date to move the City's regularly-scheduled general municipal election City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report. Attorney Jim Priest, Best Best & Krieger, was present and answered questions raised by the City Council. A motion was made by Council Member Beck, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, and carried on roll call vote that staff prepare the appropriate ordinance changing the City’s April General Municipal election date to November 2022, for City Council consideration at a future meeting. AYES: Beck, Tay, Chandler, and Verlato NOES: Amundson ABSENT: None The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. to Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room. 1 09-19-2017 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Amundson called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chandler, Verlato, Tay, and Amundson ABSENT: Beck A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, to excuse Council Member Beck from this meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS – No one appeared STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding proposed purchase and use of the Successor Agency property at 33-35 W. Huntington Drive (self-storage building). Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg and Management Analyst Schwehr presented the staff report. The City Council, acting as the Successor Agency, provided positive comments regarding the proposed project; however, questions were raised regarding parking. Direction was given to staff to bring back to a future meeting additional information for further discussion so that City Council, acting as the Successor Agency, can ultimately enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the site. The Study Session ended at 6:47 p.m. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Amundson called the regular meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. INVOCATION – Reverend Jolene Cadenbach, Arcadia Congregational Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Derek Li, Member of the Arcadia High School Constitution Team ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chandler, Verlato, Tay, and Amundson ABSENT: Beck A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, to excuse Council Member Beck from this meeting. 2 09-19-2017 REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING CLOSED/STUDY SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Deitsch reported that the City Council, acting as the Successor Agency, met in a Study Session prior to the regular meeting to hear a report from staff, and to discuss and provide direction regarding the proposed purchase and sale and subsequent use of Successor Agency property at 33-35 W. Huntington Drive (known as the Beacon’s self-storage building); the City Council, acting as the Successor Agency, discussed a proposal of a modern food open market use on the ground floor, use of the floor below the ground floor, and the proposed use of three stories above the ground floor to be used for residential lofts, and the potential use of the roof in some capacity; he further reported that the City Council, acting as the Successor Agency, directed staff to bring back to a future meeting additional information for further discussion so that City Council, acting as the Successor Agency, can ultimately enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the site. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto stated that he had no supplemental agenda information. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Tay and seconded by Council Member Chandler to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. 1. PUBLIC HEARING a. Public Hearing to receive public comments on the transition to district based elections and provide direction on a proposed ordinance. Recommended Action: Conduct a public hearing to receive public input and provide direction on a proposed ordinance City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report. Dr. Justin Levitt, Vice President, National Demographics Corporation, appeared and provided information regarding the districting criteria relating to federal laws and traditional criteria; and provided a summary of the 7 “focus” maps selected by the City Council at the September 7, 2017, meeting. City Manager Lazzaretto announced for the record emails received from 11 residents indicating their map preference as follows: David Hokanson, 1732 S. 6th Avenue – Green Map Linda Crawford, 1315 San Carlos Road – Orange Map Marci Schultz, Wilson Avenue – Orange Map Roger and Marilyn Nemrava, 1648 Highland Oaks Drive – Orange Map Knut Dale, 2023 Canyon Road – Orange Map John Fick, 1716 Wilson Avenue – Orange Map Tim Burch, 1800 Highland Oaks Drive – Orange Map Tim Burch, 1800 Highland Oaks Drive – Explained deficiencies of Green and Purple Maps Alfred P. Consalvi, 1220 Greenfield Avenue – 1st Choice Purple Map, 2nd Choice Orange Map Jim Tanner, 424 W. Woodruff Avenue – Orange Map 3 09-19-2017 Donna and Gilbert Perez, 1201 San Carlos Road – Orange or Revised K Map City Manager Lazzaretto indicated that prior to the meeting he spoke with Council Member Beck on the phone regarding this matter, and his preference, based on what he then knew without the benefit of additional public input, would be the Orange Map, or he would like the public hearing continued so that he can be available to participate. In response to Council Member Chandler’s inquiry, City Manager Lazzaretto explained the options if the public hearing was continued. Mayor Amundson opened the public hearing and indicated that each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. Richard McDonald, Esq., representing the Chinese American Equalization Association, appeared and commented on the proposed 7 maps; he recommended the City Council choose at least 3 maps tonight; he indicated that the Chinese American Equalization Association favors the modified Map K, but feels that it needs a little more tweaking; he indicated that Maps B and L remain viable maps, and recommended that Maps Green, Purple, Orange and Map A be dropped; and indicated that if one map is selected tonight that they favor the modified Map K, because he feels it is a step in the right direction based on the criteria he previously mentioned. Roger Nemrava, an Arcadia resident, appeared and noted that the revised Map K is a definite improvement from the original Map K, and indicated that he is in favor of the Orange Map, and provided his reasons. David Hokanson, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that he supports the Green Map and provided his reasons. Marci Schultz, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that she supports the Orange Map and provided her reasons. Tim Burch, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that he supports the Orange Map, and indicated that the colored maps should be given deference; and provided his reasons. Gary Kovacic, an Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked the City Council for honoring the Arcadia Constitution Team; and noted that he supports Council Member Beck’s request to continue the public hearing due to his absence from the meeting; and indicated that his preference is the revised Map K. Olga Hasler, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that she supports the Orange Map, and provided her reasons. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, and seeing no objection, Mayor Amundson declared the public hearing closed. Council Member Verlato provided her reasons why the public hearing should be continued due to Council Member Beck’s absence from this meeting. At the request of City Manager Lazzaretto, City Attorney Deitsch addressed the City Council’s concerns and provided its options if they choose to continue the public hearing to a future date. 4 09-19-2017 It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, and carried on roll call vote that staff prepare an ordinance supporting the Purple Map as the preferred map for introduction at the October 3, 2017, City Council meeting, and the election cycle be consistent with the Purple Map as recommended by the demographer. AYES: Chandler, Tay, and Amundson NOES: Verlato ABSENT: Beck It was moved by Council Member Verlato, second by Mayor Amundson, and carried on roll call vote that staff prepare an alternate ordinance supporting the Orange Map for introduction at the October 3, 2017, City Council meeting, and the election cycle be Districts 2, 3 and 4 in 2018, and Districts 1 and 5 in 2020. AYES: Verlato and Amundson NOES: Chandler and Tay ABSENT: Beck City Attorney Deitsch indicated that the motion failed because of a 2-2 vote. b. Resolution No. 7180 approving revisions to tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 09-08 (71182), Residential Mountainous Development Permit No. RM 07-01, and Oak Tree Permit No. TR 08-04, with a Mitigated Negative Declaration and updated analysis for a two lot subdivision and grading for two single-family residences at 2111-2125 Canyon Road. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg and Associate Planner Chamberlin presented the staff report. Mayor Amundson opened the public hearing. Jeff Lee, the applicant, appeared and provided information regarding the proposed project; and commented and explained on the Planning Commission’s recommended conditions, to which he objects. Karin Hanson, an Arcadia resident, appeared and provided her concerns regarding the crib wall, and urged the City Council to approve the restrictions and conditions that were imposed by the Planning Commission because they are important regarding liability and access to the City; and spoke about the mass of the wall and explained that it does not fit in the neighborhood, and commented on the safety issues. Marci Schultz, an Arcadia resident, appeared and provided her concerns regarding the crib wall and the liability it exposes; she indicated that it is not harmonious and compatible with any other neighborhood in Arcadia; she spoke about the damage to the homes and roadway caused by the number of trips by the trucks. Suzanne Ligon, an Arcadia resident, appeared and provided her concerns regarding the mass and scale of the home, and indicated that it is not in compliance with Resolution No. 6770; and wants the applicant to reconsider what they will submit to the Highland Oaks Architectural Review Board. 5 09-19-2017 Phil Consiglio, an Arcadia resident, appeared and shared his concerns regarding the project including requesting the contractor to detail cars in the neighborhood because the project is going to be dirty, pressure wash the homes, and repave the street. Milton Levin, an Arcadia resident, shared his concerns regarding the crib wall and the excavation failing, and urged the City Council not to approve the project because he feels the engineering is flawed. Olga Hasler, an Arcadia resident, appeared and remembered that a Waste Management truck lost brakes on Elkins and flipped over on someone which was a horrible experience. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, and seeing no objection, Mayor Amundson declared the public hearing closed. City Manager Lazzaretto indicated that Council Member Beck also spoke to him regarding the concerns regarding indemnity and truck trips around the schools and would be in favor of a conservation condition. Mayor Amundson re-opened the public hearing to ask additional questions. Hank Jong, a soils engineer with EGL, appeared and explained the definition of a crib wall, and explained the type of materials to be used, and the process. In response to some questions raised by the neighbors, Mr. Lee indicated that the design is merely a house in the design; that they will go back to the homeowners association with an actual design for consideration; and that they would be happy to wash the neighbors cars but would not like it made a condition; he also suggested a condition that staff can make sure that the crib wall is tested, finished, and sound before any permits are issued; he indicated that the crib wall will be landscaped; he further indicated that the insurance condition drafted by the Planning Commission is unconventional and he suggested language that adequate insurance for the property and during construction be to the satisfaction of the City Attorney and City Manager; and regarding the conservation easement, he indicated that they would be opposed to that based on principle, and suggested that maybe staff can look at that remaining parcel to see if the City has any desire to take it over so that it is not developed in the future. In response to Council Member Chandler’s question, Mr. Consiglio explained the crib wall process and feels that the crib wall for this project would be stable, and feels personally that it would be fine and has no problem with the retaining wall design with the shotcrete and interlocking wall and landscape. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, and seeing no objection, Mayor Amundson declared the public hearing closed. Council Member Verlato indicated that she would like to see a condition that requires the applicant to provide higher insurance limits of liability. It was moved by Council Member Verlato, seconded by Council Member Chandler, and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7180 approving revisions to tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 09-08 (71182), Residential Mountainous Development Permit No. RM 07-01, and Oak 6 09-19-2017 Tree Permit No. TR 08-04, with a Mitigated Negative Declaration and updated analysis for a two lot subdivision and grading for two single-family residences at 2111-2125 Canyon Road, subject to the Conditions of Approval 1 through 29, including an additional condition to include additional insurance. At the request of the City Council, City Attorney Deitsch read for the record the condition regarding insurance to be added to the approved Conditions of Approval. “The applicant shall require that all contractors, vendors, and consultants who work or provide services regarding the project maintain at all times general liability, and in the case of professionals - professional liability, insurance (a) issued by insurers licensed to issue insurance in the State of California and having a rating of AM Best’s VII-B or better; (b) in amounts acceptable to the City Manager and City Attorney; and (c) insuring the City’s officials, officers, and employees as additional insured parties. The applicant shall provide to the City proof of such insurance before permits are issued by the City for the project.” AYES: Verlato, Chandler, Tay, and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: Beck PUBLIC COMMENTS – No one appeared REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense [AB 1234]). Council Member Chandler requested City Council support for a future study session that staff come up with a pilot program to provide transportation to residents through the transit system to go to medical appointments outside the City, on a limited basis. The City Council concurred. Council Member Verlato wished her husband a Happy Birthday; she recognized the Police Department who arrested 5 residential burglary suspects; and she thanked the Arcadia Fire Department for all the assistance they provided over the last few years to her father and mother. Mayor Pro Tem Tay noted that last week he attended the League of California Cities conference; he spoke about SB 649 and encouraged everyone to write, text, or call Governor Brown to veto SB 649; he spoke about other topics of discussion at the League Conference, such as driverless vehicles, technology investments, and how to strengthen the police and community trust; he noted that last Saturday he attended a fundraiser gala at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center; and announced that September 23 is the Modern Sky Music Festival at the Santa Anita Race Track. City Clerk Glasco announced that he also attended the 5 year ribbon cutting of the anniversary of the Arcadia Performing Arts Center; and noted that he was recently contacted by the Santa Anita A’s, which is a classic old Model A Club, and they will be having a meeting on September 29 at the Red Cross and asked him to speak on old time Arcadia restaurants. Mayor Amundson announced that today there were two earthquakes and reminded everyone to be prepared in the event of a disaster; he spoke about crime throughout California and spoke about cities forming the “taking back the community” coalition to address Propositions 47 and 57 and AB 109; he noted that next Monday, Los Angeles County Mayors are coming to Arcadia to work together to make the streets safer; he noted that Arcadia staff is working on a couple of water projects, one is to refill Baldwin Lake at the Arboretum, and the other is the Peck Road 7 09-19-2017 Lake, which he feels are two great projects, and noted that last week he, City Manager Lazzaretto, and Public Works Services Director Tait went to Washington, D.C. requesting funds for these projects; and announced that Arcadia was recently named, for the second year in a row, as a finalist for the Most Business Friendly City Award by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular Meeting Minutes of September 5, 2017. Recommended Action: Approve b. Ordinance No. 2349 amending the zoning designation of certain properties within the City from “C-G General Commercial” to “R-1(7,500) Low Density Residential” with a Zoning Map Amendment at 303, 305, 307, and 309 E. Foothill Boulevard. Recommended Action: Adopt c. Professional Services Agreement with Trovao and Associates, Inc. dba The Christmas Light Guy Company to provide holiday decorations for the 2017 Holiday Season in the amount of $40,500. Recommended Action: Approve d. Professional Services Agreement with Scientia Consulting Group, Inc. to provide Information Technology Management Services for the interim period of one year in the amount of $284,280. Recommended Action: Approve e. Accept all work performed by T.E. Roberts, Inc. for the Valve Replacement Project on Santa Anita Avenue as complete. Recommended Action: Approve f. Supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $94,250 from the General Fund Reserve and Professional Services Agreement with The Lew Edwards Group for Professional Consulting Services and related public outreach. Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, seconded by Council Member Chandler, and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 2.a through 2.f. AYES: Tay, Chandler, Verlato, and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: Beck ADJOURNMENT The City Council meeting adjourned this meeting in memory of Cletus Verlato at 10:22 p.m. to October 3, 2017, 6:00 p.m. in the Council Conference Room. 8 09-19-2017