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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/2018 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018 CALL TO ORDER— Mayor Amundson called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beck, Chandler, Tay, and Amundson ABSENT: Verlato A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Tay to excuse Council Member Verlato. Council Member Verlato arrived at 5:07 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS — No one appeared. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction concerning Phase 2 of the Seabiscuit Pacifica Specific Plan at 130 W. Huntington Drive. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg provided a presentation regarding Phase 2 of the Seabiscuit Pacifica Specific Plan Project; and presented what is now being proposed regarding the residential portion of the project, and explained how the two phases will work together; he indicated that the height of the project will be 95 feet, and that all requirements of the zoning code and parking requirements have been met, and feels that this is a good project for this site. Rob MacMillian, representing the Chateau Group, was present and answered various questions raised by the City Council regarding the design of the project, parking, the height of the building, the price of the condominiums, and the retail businesses, and explained some of the differences in the prior approved plans and now; he provided information regarding additional amenities that are being proposed for the project; and noted that he had made a presentation to the Arcadia Coordinating Council, and that they were very excited about the project. After some discussion, the City Council conceptually accepted the project as presented, including the height of the project. Council Member Beck indicated that he would like to see a sidewalk installed for access to the hotel for City Hall and Methodist Hospital employees. After some discussion regarding the sidewalk, Mr. MacMillian indicated that they would look into it and was certain they can make it work. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg, indicated that as long as the City Council agrees that the current trees on the property were not sacred, the sidewalk issue can be brought forward at a later time, and that other trees can be put in later on the site in place of the ones that would need to be removed in order to accommodate a sidewalk. 1 03-06-2018 The City Council concurred. The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:05 p.m. to consider the two items listed on the posted agenda under Closed Session. CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 to confer with labor negotiators. City Negotiators: City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, Administrative Services Director Hue Quach, and Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Jason Kruckeberg Employee Organizations: Arcadia Public Works Employees Association, Arcadia Employees Association, Arcadia Police Civilian Employees Association, Arcadia Police Officers' Association, Arcadia Firefighters' Association, and unrepresented employees: Department Heads, Division Managers, Supervisors, and part-time employees b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.8 to confer with Real Property Negotiators. Property: 100 W. Huntington Drive (Parcel No. 5775-024-919) Agency Negotiators: City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Jason Kruckeberg, and City Attorney Stephen P. Deitsch Negotiating Party: City of Arcadia and Chateau Group USA Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payments No reportable action was taken on the Closed Session items. The meeting ended at 6:45 p.m. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER— Mayor Amundson called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. INVOCATION — Rabbi Sholom Stiefel, Chabad of Arcadia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Lieutenant John "Doc"Wells, United States Navy ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS • PRESENT: Beck, Chandler, Verlato, Tay, and Amundson ABSENT: None 2 03-06-2018 REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING CLOSED/STUDY SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Deitsch reported that the City Council met prior to the regular meeting in a special meeting in order to conduct a workshop to receive a report and discuss and provide direction to a proposed developer of Phase 2 of the Seabiscuit Pacifica Plan at 130 W. Huntington Drive. City Attorney Deitsch further reported that the,City Council met in a closed session to consider Items (a)and (b) listed on the posted agenda and that no reportable action was taken. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto announced that there was no supplemental 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. There being no objection, the motion was considered passed. PRESENTATIONS a. Arbor Day Proclamation presented to the Arcadia Beautiful Commission. b. Mayor's Certificates of Commendation to Arcadia High School CIF Girls Tennis Doubles Champions Michelle Deng and Lauren Ko. c. Proclamation to Matt McSweeny for 19 years of outstanding service to our community. d. Pasadena Humane Society Presentation of adoptable dog. PUBLIC COMMENTS Gail Marshall, an Arcadia resident and former Mayor, appeared and stated that it was difficult to show respect to those that did not respect; she discussed an election mailer sent out by Council Member Chandler and expressed disappointment in the City during the election process; she stated Tom Beck, Joyce Platt and Jolly Wu were conducting clean, transparent campaigns, but that Roger Chandler, Bob Harbicht, and Sho Tay were defacing, defaming and tearing down the character of others; and commented on the number of campaign signs being illegally posted. Jolly Wu, an Arcadia resident and City Council candidate, appeared and stated she was running a clean campaign and wanted to make the City better; she discussed negative campaigning against her and stated she might file a lawsuit alleging hate crimes; she discussed her disability and indicated there was nothing wrong with being in a wheelchair and wanting to do something good for the City. Dr. Sheng Chang, an Arcadia resident and former Mayor, appeared and stated that he was against the proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance ("HPO"), and indicated that the City Council should not have spent over $120,000 for the project; he opined that the ordinance would not make Arcadia healthier, happier or richer; he suggested there were approximately 50 3 03-06-2018 buildings, not 3,000 as indicated in the proposed ordinance, that were historic; that 45-year old buildings did not have historic value and expressed concern with taking away property rights from homeowners; and requested City Council candidates provide their opinion on the matter. Chuck Rashidi, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated he had asked the City for its policy on room rentals on October 10, 2017, and had not received a response; and did not want to see "ghettoization" of a nice neighborhood. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg apologized to Mr. Rashidi for not receiving a response from the City, and referred him to staff that was present at the meeting. John Chen appeared and asked Council Member Beck if he told a voter in District 2 that he was against the HPO ("Historic Preservation Ordinance"). Council Member Beck responded that he would support the ordinance in some form. Mr. Chen continued and discussed removal of campaign signs and asked Council Member Beck if he was aware of any criminal activity of his supporters; Council Member Beck stated he was not aware of any. Mr. Chen discussed smear campaigns against Bob Harbicht. Linna, a resident in District 2, appeared and stated there were rumors that Council Member Beck was telling voters he was against the draft HPO; and asked Mr. Beck to clarify his position on the ordinance. Nelson Ge, an Arcadia resident, appeared and discussed the City Council's upcoming consideration of a resolution regarding SB 827 - transit rich housing bonus legislation; he stated the City should oppose the legislation on the basis that it undermined local control of land use decisions; and stated the City Council should oppose the HPO because it undermined private property owners' control of their own property. Yu Hong appeared and expressed concern regarding Bob Harbicht's yard signs being stolen and replaced with negative signs; he urged the candidates to remind their supporters to run a clean campaign and requested an investigation. Edmund, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed concern about election hit pieces attacking Bob Harbicht and Roger Chandler; he urged the City newspaper to be careful when publishing articles from the Sierra Madre Tattler blog; and presented printed materials from the site to the City Council. Oliver, a resident in District 1, appeared and discussed a recent, violent, purse snatching incident; he thanked Council Member Chandler for discussing issues with the news media; he asked Council Members Beck and Chandler and Police Chief Guthrie if it was true that more police officers were not needed to battle street crimes and home invasions, and if the City was lacking equipment used by other cities. Stella Gu, an Arcadia resident, appeared and addressed the City Council regarding the City Council campaigns and stated something needed to be done to ensure resident's voices were heard and respected; and quoted "Eternal Everyday" and urged clean campaigns. 4 03-06-2018 Lavon, an Arcadia resident, appeared and addressed the City Council regarding coyote attacks on family pets on Las Flores, and asked the City Council what could be done. Erik Rosa, an Arcadia resident, appeared and discussed the cancellation of the Arcadia Association of Realtors and Chamber of Commerce candidate's forum and questioned the reasoning that forums should be district specific, and asked where the other district forums were being held; he stated the issues in Arcadia were not as bad as other cities, that Arcadia was a well-run city, and City Council members contributed although they disagree on issues; he stated the lack of civility in the election was embarrassing and insulting; he implored the candidates to present the issues and cut out the smear campaigns; and stated residential development and the HPO needed to be discussed even though it created tension and uncivil behavior. Judy Xu, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed gratitude to the City Council for revealing the truth on Fox 11 News. Steven Rhee, an Arcadia resident, appeared and reminded the City Council that residents still wanted the City to fight the Verizon Cell Tower litigation; and urged citizens to fact check campaign materials. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense jAB 12341). Council Member Beck responded to comments made by speakers regarding campaign signs, and indicated that his signs were placed only where he was given permission; he stated the Bulldozer Bob sign surprised him, and he immediately took the offensive to shut it down; he discussed the replacement of a Harbicht sign, by his sign at Dorothy Davila's' property; he stated he was told that Harbicht and Chandler signs were removed by the Vons and HMart manager because permission was not given to them, and that he was committed to run a clean campaign. He explained that he and Mayor Pro Tern Tay voted to explore the HPO and stated he was aware of private property rights and necessary balance; that he had a 100% voting record in support of Police and Fire; he commented on three of his friends that died in the past week: 33-year old Brian Siska, Dentist Bob McNamara and Paul Bigley's mother; he commended and congratulated Michelle and Lauren on the Girls Tennis Team, he thanked Matt McSweeny and wished him well on his retirement, and also thanked the Pasadena Humane Society. Council Member Chandler discussed the creation of Matt Denny's Restaurant and wished him well; he commented on a coyote in his neighborhood and asked how to resolve the issue; and reminded residents to empty standing water to prevent mosquitos. Council Member Verlato discussed Assembly Member Chris Holden's Public Safety meeting at the Monrovia Community Center on March 1, and Police Chief Guthrie's representation of the City; she stated she volunteered as First Vice President of the PTA Council, and expressed enthusiasm for the great collaboration between the Library, the Police Department, and the schools; she announced the Kids Night Out at the Community Center on March 9, the Library Special Presentation on March 10 at 2:00 p.m. by Local Historian Carol Libby on artists doing illustrations of historic landmarks in Arcadia, the High School production of Beauty and the Beast at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center on March 15-17, and performance by Maki Hseih, Director of the Performing Arts Center on March 24 at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center; she thanked the Arcadia Weekly for correcting the article regarding historical preservation, and stated the City would be sending a mailer out to residents to help explain the process; she explained that 5 03-06-2018 she was supportive of the HPO to enable residents to designate their home as a historical property, which studies showed added value to homes; she encouraged residents to keep an open mind, and explained that there would be requirements for City Council to override a homeowner's objection; and expressed her condolences to Mrs. Bigley's family. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Tay's request, Police Chief Guthrie responded to questions raised regarding the number of police officers and provided an overview of the current staffing and efforts in reducing crime; he explained that overtime was not sustainable forever due to fatigue, and the need to adhere to a responsible budget process; and stated the Police Department was on the cutting edge of utilizing technology. Mayor Pro Tem Tay announced that he attended the Arcadia High School Orchestra Benefit Dinner on February 24, and that the next one was scheduled for February 23, 2019; he also announced that he attended the Los Angeles County Clean Energy (now known as Clean Power Alliance ("CPA")) meeting last Thursday, March 1; he discussed the CPA, March 6 special meeting to adopt a policy allowing board members to disclose closed session information to local agency legal counsel and legislative body; and encouraged people not to take negative campaigns personally. City Clerk Glasco echoed Council Member Verlato's comments about Chief Guthrie's presentation; and announced that he also attended the Orchestra Fundraising Dinner at the High School, and that he and Mayor Amundson attended the San Gabriel Valley Elk's 150th Anniversary Dinner on March 3. Mayor Amundson commended Chief Guthrie on his presentation; he also announced that he attended the Arcadia High School Orchestra Dinner and Elks Club Dinner; and encouraged residents to continue calling in coyote sightings, and announced Food Forward, an organization that will come and remove extra fruit on trees. He stated Arcadia was voted the Most Business Friendly City; he announced the Mayor's Community Breakfast and the theme was "Leaving a Legacy" on April 6, 7:30 a.m., at the Arcadia Community Center, with guest speaker County Supervisor Mike Antonovich and will include the State of the City Address, and that proceeds will go to the Foothill Unity Center. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Accept all work performed by CJ Concrete Construction, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2017-18 Annual Concrete Repairs Proiect as complete. Recommended Action: Approve b. Extension to the Professional Services Agreement with Westerly Meter Service Company for Large Water Meter Testing, Repair, and Calibration Services in an amount not to exceed $28,000. Recommended Action: Approve c. Waive expenses related to Traffic Control Services for the Twenty-Fourth Annual Santa Anita Derby Day 5K to be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Tay, and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 2.a., 2.b. and 2.c. 6 03-06-2018 AYES: Chandler, Tay, Beck, Verlato, and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None 2. CITY MANAGER a. Resolution No. 7208 supporting the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2018. Recommended Action: Adopt City Manager Lazaretto presented the staff report. It was moved by Council Member Beck, seconded by Council Member Chandler, and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7208 supporting the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2018. AYES: Beck, Chandler, Tay, Verlato, and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None b. Resolution No. 7209 opposing Senate Bill 827, Transit Rich Housing Bonus Legislation. Recommended Action: Adopt City Manager Lazaretto presented the staff report. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Beck, and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7209 opposing Senate Bill 827, Transit Rich Housing Bonus Legislation. AYES: Chandler, Beck, Tay, Verlato, and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None ADJOURNMENT The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m. to Marc • 118, 6:0' p.m. in the Council Conference Room. / ayor of the City of Arcadia ATTEST: r I I LILA Chie' '•uty City Clerk/ Reco`� Manage 7 03-06-2018