HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/2019 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2019
CALL TO ORDER— Mayor Verlato called the Study Session to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Amundson, Beck, Tay, Chandler, and Verlato
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS — No one appeared
STUDY SESSION
a. Report, discussion, and direction concerning a potential development project at the
former Vons Corporate Headquarters site (618 Michillinda Avenue and 1101 W.
Huntington Drive).
Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg provided a brief report on the
potential development of the project.
Brian Wenzel, Architect, Humphreys & Partners Architects, appeared and provided information
on the graphics and design of the project.
After discussion, the City Council provided comments on how the concepts might be enhanced
through greater focus on decreasing density and apparent heights while increasing the parking,
open space, and overall design quality. The item will be brought back at a later date for further
consideration and discussion.
The meeting ended at 6:59 p.m.
Regular Meeting
City Council Chamber, 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor Verlato called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. INVOCATION — Reverend Darwin Ng, Arcadia Police Department Chaplain
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Girl Scout Troop#7121
4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Amundson, Beck, Tay, Chandler, and Verlato
ABSENT: None
5. REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING CLOSED/STUDY SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Deitsch announced that prior to the regular meeting, the City Council met in a Study
Session to receive a report from staff regarding a potential development project at the former
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Vons Corporate Headquarters site at 618 Michillinda Avenue and 1101 W. Huntington Drive; and
that the architect appeared and received comments from the City Council.
6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA
ITEMS
City Manager Lazzaretto stated that due to the number of speaker cards submitted regarding City
Manager Item 12.a, the Mayor will be accepting comments from the public at that time, and that
there will a 3 minutes time limit per speaker; and requested the City Council table City Manager
Item 12.b so that staff can revise the ordinance to include citywide lost and found property, not
just at the Library. Mayor Pro Tern Chandler concurred with the City Manager's request.
7. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND
WAIVE THE READING IN FULL
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Chandler and seconded by Council Member Amundson
to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full.
8. PRESENTATIONS
a. Mayor's Certificates of Achievement to TOPKids Center students for winning awards
at the 2019 International Drone Design Competition.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dan Bacani, Lee and Associates, appeared and introduced Goki Café, which will be going in at
214 N. First Avenue; he complimented Economic Development Management Analyst Tim
Schwehr and Mr. Kruckeberg for the great they did to bring this business to Arcadia; he read a
message from Ron Mills, who also indicated what an outstanding job everyone did and is looking
forward to the grand opening; and indicated that this is a great example of the community all
coming together to bring a great uniqueness to the City.
Andres Webster, owner of Goki Café, appeared and invited everyone to their grand opening in
October, and offered his services to the community.
10. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from
the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense SAB 1234]).
Council Member Tay announced that he attended a seminar today in Santa Monica and City
Manager Lazzaretto was the speaker, and indicated that the topic of discussion was "10 tips for
Elected Officials", which he distributed to the other elected officials.
Mayor Pro Tern Chandler indicated that he visited Del Mar Race Track this past weekend and
saw Vince Foley and his wife Dolores, who are former Arcadia residents.
Council Member Beck indicated that he was surprised at the number of residents in attendance
at the meeting to complain about the configuration of Eisenhower Park, considering the number
of community outreach hearings that the City conducted.
Council Member Amundson indicated that he appreciated the accolades given by Dan Bacani to
City staff, and feels that the Downtown area was in need of a coffee shop in that area; he also
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commented on the protests in Hong Kong and indicated what the American flag represents
around the world.
City Clerk Glasco announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is offering services to
veterans in the San Gabriel Valley, and provided the type of services; and he announced the
ribbon cutting on August 23, at 11:00 a.m., at 415 South Ivy Avenue in Monrovia.
Mayor Verlato announced that last week she meet with some members of the Audubon Society
regarding the trees at Eisenhower Park; she further announced that "Mahjong with the Mayor"
last week was a great success, and that the next "Mahjong with the Mayor" is Friday, September
13; that Saturday night she celebrated with the Tzu Chi Foundation and planted a tree at Whittier
Narrows; she further announced that she will be attending the grand opening of the Veterans
Center in Monrovia on August 23; that on August 31, she will be taking a bus tour of homeless
shelters in Pasadena; she announced that September 3, will be the next"Coffee with the Mayor";
and noted that on the Consent Calendar are resolutions implementing Measure A, she thanked
all the residents and taxpayers of Arcadia for voting on increasing the sales tax in Arcadia so that
the City can keep and maintain its outstanding police and fire.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Special and Regular Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2019.
Recommended Action: Approve
b. Resolutions implementing Measure A to be administered by the California Department
of Tax and Fee Administration.
Resolution No. 7268 authorizing the City Manager to execute Agreements with the
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for implementation of a Local
Transactions and Use Tax.
Recommended Action: Adopt
Resolution No. 7269 authorizing the examination of Transactions (Sales)and Use Tax
Records.
Recommended Action: Adopt
c. Contract with California Professional Engineering, Inc. for the Santa Anita Avenue
Corridor Traffic Signal and Crosswalk Improvements at the intersections of Santa
Anita Avenue and Alta Street and Santa Anita Avenue and Le Roy Avenue in the
amount of $713,791, and approve an additional appropriation of $196,000 from the
Transportation Impact Fund.
Recommended Action: Approve
d. Software Service Agreement with Tyler Technologies for the EnerGov Program for
asset management, permit tracking, and community development software solutions
in the amount of $96,120 annually.
Recommended Action: Approve
e. Accept all work performed by R Dependable Construction, Inc. for the Guardrail
Retrofit at Arcadia Wash Project as complete.
Recommended Action: Approve
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f. Accept all work performed by Pipe-Tech, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Annual
Sewer CCTV Inspections as complete.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Chandler, seconded by Council Member Amundson, and carried
on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 11.a through 11.f.
AYES: Chandler, Amundson, Beck, Tay, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. CITY MANAGER
a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding basketball courts within the Eisenhower
Park Improvement Project.
Recommended Action: Provide Direction
Public Works Services Director Tait, and Recreation and Community Services Director Somogyi
provided the staff report, and provided the City Council with options.
In response to Council Member Beck's inquiry, Community Services Director Somogyi responded
that there is currently $11.6 million in the Parks Fund, and after the renovation of this project of
$6.3 million, there will be about a $6 million balance; and explained that annually the Parks Fund
accrues about $700,000 per year.
Mayor Verlato announced the public comment process for this item, and that there will be a 3-
minute time limit per person.
Lena Hwang, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that the basketball courts are a great
addition to the park, and will be greatly missed by the community if not included; and stated that
a stop sign is absolutely necessary for the safety of the pedestrians.
Richard Castaneda, an El Monte resident, appeared and indicated that Eisenhower Park is the
only park that he can exercise his dog without a leash; he stated that the dog park portion of the
park was not designed by a dog lover, and the new design will have too much cement and it is
important to have grass and open space so dogs can run; he shared his concerns about the dog
park being closed during the renovation, and asked if another portion of the park can remain open.
John Fredericks, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that he was frustrated to hear that
the dog park was going to be ripped out, and feels that closing the dog park for 9 months is
excessive; he further indicated that he visits the dog park at least twice daily and suggested that
the existing sprinklers should just be fixed and turned on instead of doing a dramatic design; he
spoke about the patio canopy being proposed in the middle of the dog park, and feels that it
should be moved to the west because that is where the dogs run.
Stacy Rudzik, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that staff has mentioned the outreach
previously given to the residents regarding the renovation of the park, and noted that she received
only one notice in February; she further indicated that things are happening to the park without
community input, and that she was opposed to the dog park being closed for 8 months; she also
noted that she cares about the homeless people in their area, and feels that with the park closed
there will be no water access for the homeless.
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Max Chu, an Arcadia resident, appeared and commented on the need for a sound barrier in the
area of the park, at the 210 Freeway at Second Avenue; he stated that the lack of a sound barrier
affects the quality of life, and that the park is too noisy, and urged the City Council to address the
noise; he submitted a petition to "reduce ambient noise caused by the lack of sound barrier on
the 210 freeway at Second Avenue" to the City Council.
Carolina Garzzia, an Arcadia resident, appeared and urged the City Council to reconsider the
idea of removing the basketball court at the park; she indicated that she supports the sound barrier
wall, and also suggested a round-a-bout at Colorado and Second Avenue; she suggested more
lighting, and trees on her street because it is dark; and she also suggested locking up the park
between 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. because she notices a lot of shady people hanging around the
park late at night.
Eric Aldaco, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that his issue is beyond the basketball
court; he commented on the planning, demolition, and construction of the park, and indicated that
the City should of placed a big billboard public notice on the property so that it was visible to the
neighbors on Newman Avenue; and he read a letter from a neighbor who also indicated they did
not receive notice regarding the construction of the park, and expressed their opposition to the
removal the basketball courts.
Ruby Aldaco, an Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked Mayor Verlato for bringing this matter
up again; she indicated that she understands there were community meetings, but no meetings
with the residents that live near and around Eisenhower Park; she stated that there are no
basketball tournaments going at the park at this time; and commented on the lack of lighting when
exiting the park on Newman Avenue.
Patricia Araiza, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that she was offended by the terms
and comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler and Council Member Beck; she requested a
crosswalk for the safety of the pedestrians; and requested that the construction of the park be
stopped so that the neighbors have input; and requested full disclosure of what the design of the
park is going to be, including what types of trees are going to be installed.
Shirley Fang, an Arcadia resident, appeared and applauded the renovation of the park and the
basketball courts; she indicated that she agrees with the comments made by Mr. Chu regarding
the need for a sound barrier wall; she indicated that she is concerned about safety, that a couple
of weeks ago she noticed homeless people sleeping at the park, and wandering around the gap
of the freeway at Colorado and Second Avenue.
Sam Chung, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that he was pleasantly surprised and
happy with the construction plans of the parks, but was concerned about the comments being
made by the other speakers; and provided other alternatives for playing basketball in the
community.
Jim Fanous, an Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked Ms. Somogyi and staff who took the time
to address questions he and his neighbors had; he wondered why residents are complaining that
they did not know what was happening at Eisenhower Park; he indicated that he will be watching
the construction of the park very carefully; and asked that if a basketball is considered to the north,
he would like to meet because it would abut his property.
At 8:48 p.m., the Mayor called for a recess, and reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
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In response to Council Member Amundson's inquiry, Director of Recreation and Community
Services explained the different outreach efforts made to the community.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay and carried on a
roll call vote to approve Option 4 to continue with construction for the Eisenhower Park
Improvement Project and do no modification to the scope of work.
AYES: Chandler, Tay, and Beck
NOES: Amundson and Verlato
ABSENT: None
It was moved by Mayor Verlato, seconded by Council Member Beck and carried on a roll call vote
to approve Option 1 to utilize $21,000 in Park Impact Fee Funds to renovate the basketball courts
located at Camino Grove School and install additional fencing and parking lot improvements.
AYES: Verlato, Beck, Amundson, Chandler, and Tay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
b. Ordinance No. 2362 amending Article IV, Chapter 3 of the Arcadia Municipal Code by
adding Section 4304 concerning lost and found items at the Arcadia Public Library.
Recommended Action: Introduce
This item was tabled and will be brought back for consideration at a later date.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m. to Tuesday, September 3, 2019, 6:00 p.m. in
the City Council Conference Room.
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