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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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