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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10a - Regular and Special Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2020, and Special Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2020 1 04-07-2020 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Verlato called the Closed Session to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Amundson, Beck, Tay, Chandler, and Verlato ABSENT: None Mayor Verlato announced that pursuant to the guidelines issued by the State and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, City Council Members will appear telephonically; and that citizens who wish to submit public comments may do so by calling the conference line. PUBLIC COMMENTS – No public comments were received. CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) to confer with legal counsel regarding potential litigation – one (1) case. b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) to confer with legal counsel regarding the matter of Mei Yi Hsu, an individual v. City of Arcadia, a governmental entity (Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 19STCV23445). c. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation – one (1) case. Regarding Closed Session Item (a), on motion by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, seconded by Council Member Amundson, the City Council unanimously authorized and directed that the City join the litigation matter. No reportable action taken on Closed Session Item (b), and Closed Session Item (c) was removed from discussion. The Closed Session meeting ended at 6:40 p.m. Regular Meeting City Council Chamber, 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Verlato called the regular meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 2. INVOCATION – Reverend Jolene Cadenbach, Arcadia Congregational Church 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Verlato 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Amundson, Beck, Tay, Chandler, and Verlato ABSENT: None 2 04-07-2020 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 Closed Session to consider two of the three items listed on the posted agenda; he indicated that Closed Session Item (c) was removed from discussion; that regarding Closed Session Item (a), on motion by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, seconded by Council Member Amundson, the City Council unanimously authorized and directed that the City join the litigation matter; and that no reportable action was taken on Closed Session Item (b). Mayor Verlato announced that as part of the City of Arcadia’s COVID-19 transmission mitigation efforts, Arcadia City Council Meetings are closed to the public, that pursuant to Executive Order N-25-20 and the Brown Act, the Arcadia City Council will meet virtually; and that citizens who wish to submit public comments may do so by calling the conference line. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto announced that there is no supplemental information. 7. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, and seconded by Council Member Amundson, to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Verlato reminded citizens who wish to submit public comments that they may do so by calling the conference line; and read emails submitted for Public Comment from the following: Carla Wheatley: Concerns regarding the Santa Anita Mall being open. Pingying Huang: Order the service industry to wear masks when working. Hannah Chiu, an Arcadia High School Alumni, called and provided information regarding COVID-SMS, a new texting service created by a team of Johns Hopkins and Harvard University students; she stated that the goal of this service is to provide Coronavirus information quickly to community members; she explained how the service works; and asked the City Council to consider adopting the COVID-SMS texting service. Susan Wu, an Arcadia resident, called and expressed her concerns regarding the lack of social distancing and masks at essential businesses; she encouraged the City Council to enforce employees of essential businesses to wear face coverings; and recommended that the City provide residents daily Coronavirus updates. Mayor Verlato encouraged residents to email their comments if they were unable to get through to the conference line. 3 04-07-2020 9. 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 Amundson expressed the importance of the community coming together during this pandemic; he announced that he celebrated his grandson’s birthday via Zoom; that the Patriotic Festival scheduled for July 4, has been postponed; and requested the City Council bring back an agenda item recognizing Arcadia Hometown Heroes who are currently serving. In response to Council Member Amundson’s request, City Manager Lazzaretto indicated that the City Council previously directed staff to bring back an agenda item to discuss modernizing the current Hometown Heroes display located at City Hall. Council Member Amundson reminded everyone that Tuesday April 14, is Election Day; that Ballots were mailed on March 16; and that beginning Saturday April 11, the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder will have a mobile voter information unit at the Arcadia City Hall parking lot. Council Member Beck stated that these are odd times we live in, he noted that everything on his calendar has been canceled; he indicated that social distancing is difficult and that he hopes that this runs its course as quickly as possible; he reminded everyone that now is the time to help those in need; he also stated that former Mayor Mickey Segal is collecting money for Methodist Hospital employees impacted by COVID-19, he reminded everyone that Foothill Unity continues to serve the disadvantaged in the community; he commended 15 year-old W eber Lin, for printing 3D face masks and donating them to medical clinics, and Hannah Chiu, for the COVID-SMS Application; he wished everyone the best and looks forward to the day this is all behind us. Mayor Pro Tem Chandler acknowledged the comments made by residents who called in, and assured them that their concerns will be referred to City Manager Lazzaretto for consideration. Council Member Tay expressed his concerns regarding the impact the closure of local business and the Santa Anita Mall will have on the City’s budget; he stated that Methodist Hospital is in need of medical supplies; that he messaged residents on WeChat asking them for help; he announced that residents donated $13,350 to the Arcadia Police Association, $22,600 to the Methodist Hospital foundation, and medical supplies to Methodist Hospital and the Arcadia Police Department; he thanked all the residents that responded to his WeChat message; and encouraged everyone to stay home, healthy, and spend quality time with loved ones. City Clerk Glasco announced that April 14, 2020, is the Arcadia General Municipal Election, he commented on an article regarding the Alert Arcadia Emergency Notification System; he explained how the notification system works; and provided a recipe for hand sanitizer. Mayor Verlato reminded everyone that these are unprecedented and challenging times but that together we can get through this; that Los Angeles County Health Department issued public guidance on the use of facial coverings in public; she announced that the City is accepting donations of masks, gloves, gowns, and shields; she expressed her gratitude to all the residents who have donated supplies; she reminded everyone that all donations go to the City’s First Responders and to Methodist Hospital; she asked that those who would like to donate contact Recreation and Community Services Director Somogyi; she reported that the City does not have a need for supplies, however that the City and Methodist hospital want to be prepared; she further announced that a meal train has been set up for the Arcadia Fire Department; she thanked the Fire Department for their hard work during these challenging times; reminded everyone that the Arcadia Library is still offering pick-up services and online books; that small 4 04-07-2020 business owners experiencing hard times may contact Management Analyst Schwehr, and the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce; she provided contact information for resources for those experiencing hard times; she encouraged residents to stay home; she noted that the City declared a moratorium on evictions and that resources on this topic can be found on the City’s website; she reminded everyone that Public Works, Police and Fire are continuing without uninterrupted service; she reported that the water basins are full due to the rain; and announced that Easter is on Sunday. 10. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2020. Recommended Action: Approve b. Resolution No. 7301 authorizing submittal of the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Transportation Development Act – Article 4 Claim Forms to receive capital and operating funds for Arcadia Transit. Recommended Action: Adopt c. Contract with Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Pavement Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $2,128,000, in addition to a 10% contingency, and an exemption from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). Recommended Action: Approve d. Professional Services Agreement with LAE Associates, Inc., for Federal Funding Compliance Services and Construction Inspection Services for the Citywide Bicycle Facilities Improvement Project in the amount of $50,000, in addition to a 10% contingency. Recommended Action: Approve e. Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with GEO-Advantec, Inc. and change order to the Purchase Order for additional material testing and inspection services for the Eisenhower Park Improvement Project in the amount of $30,000. Recommended Action: Approve In response to Mayor Pro Tem Chandler’s request, City Manager Lazzaretto provided a brief explanation regarding Consent Item 10.e (additional testing and inspection services for the Eisenhower Park Improvement Project). It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, seconded by Council Member Amundson, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 10.a through 10.e. AYES: Chandler, Amundson, Beck, Tay, and Verlato NOES: None ABSENT: None 11. CITY MANAGER a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding COVID-19. City Manager Lazzaretto provided an update on COVID-19. 5 04-07-2020 After discussion by the City Council, the following actions were taken: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, and seconded by Council Member Tay to direct City Manager/Director of Emergency Services Lazzaretto to issue an order requiring all essential businesses to cause their employees to wear face coverings during working hours. AYES: Chandler, Tay, Amundson, Beck, and Verlato NOES: None ABSENT: None A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, and seconded by Council Member Tay to defer the Transient Occupancy Tax for 30 days. AYES: Chandler, Tay, Amundson, Beck, and Verlato NOES: None ABSENT: None 12. ADJOURNMENT The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. to Tuesday, April 21, 2020, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Linda Rodriguez Assistant City Clerk ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Verlato called the Special Meeting to order at 9:05 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Amundson, Beck, Tay, Chandler, and Verlato ABSENT: None Mayor Verlato announced that a Special Meeting was called in order to address an issue regarding a possible leak of Closed Session discussions; and reminded citizens who wish to submit public comments may do so by calling the conference line. City Manager Lazzaretto noted for the record that the City Council is still present. PUBLIC COMMENTS Edmund Lui, called and explained his reasons why the City Council should not move forward with Open Session Item a.; he urged the City Council not to spend thousands of dollars to investigate the Crosby case; and recommended that the City donate that money to Methodist Hospital. Mayor Verlato read into the record emails submitted for Public Comment from the following: Lynette Wang: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not on the Crosby lawsuit. Siuhing Kwok: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not a possible leak of information on the Crosby lawsuit. Sally (no last name provided): The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not on the Crosby lawsuit. Fred Howe: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not on the Crosby lawsuit. Chun Ye: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not on the Crosby lawsuit. Dickson Tam: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not on the Crosby lawsuit. Max Ma: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not on the Crosby lawsuit. Wenjing Wang: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not on the Crosby lawsuit. Simon Saeheng: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, not on the Crosby lawsuit. Gang Sun: Asked the City Council not to waste City resources and taxpayer’s money on an unnecessary investigation, and use those resources to get through this pandemic. Harry Wang: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, and not waste time and resources reopening the Crosby case. Edmund Liu: Expressed his concerns due to the Coronavirus pandemic; and stated that the City Council should not spend more time and taxpayer’s money on the Crosby lawsuit. Andy Chen: The City Council should focus on the pandemic, keeping our citizens safe, and not on the Crosby lawsuit. OPEN SESSION TO THE PUBLIC a. City Council discussion and possible action concerning one or more of the following: (1) waiving confidentiality of a limited portion of City Council meeting closed sessions on December 19, 2017, and July 3, 2018, concerning Crosby vs. the City of Arcadia (2) waiving the attorney/client privilege regarding specific communications between the City Attorney and the City Council concerning the above litigation in the above City Council closed sessions (3) authorizing and directing an investigation of a possible leak of confidential closed session information, and/or (4) authorizing and directing the City Attorney to transmit correspondence to the L.A. County District Attorney concerning a possible leak of confidential closed session information Prior to the Public Comments portion of the meeting, City Attorney Deitsch introduced Open Session Item a.; he indicated that there are four possible actions for the City Council to consider; he provided background information related to this matter; and explained the four actions listed on the posted agenda for possible consideration. A motion was made by Council Member Beck, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, to direct all persons present at the December 19, 2017, and July 3, 2018, City Council meeting closed sessions to submit emails to the City Manager by 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2020, indicating whether they released to anyone among the public confidential information or City Attorney advice from those closed sessions. AYES: Beck, Chandler, Amundson, Tay, and Verlato NOES: None ABSENT: None The Special Meeting ended at 10:04 p.m. Linda Rodriguez Assistant City Clerk ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2020 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Verlato called the Special Meeting to order at 5:25 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Amundson, Beck, Tay, Chandler, and Verlato ABSENT: None Mayor Verlato announced that as part of the City of Arcadia’s COVID-19 transmission mitigation efforts, this meeting of the City Council will be conducted virtually, that the public was provided the ability to make public comments via email 30 minutes prior to the posted meeting time; and that members of the public who would like to participate virtually may do so by calling the conference line. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Verlato announced that 17 emails were received, she noted that there were a few emails over 300 words; she indicated that the requirement was up to 300 words per email; and that those over 300 words will not be read into the record in its entirety. Mayor Verlato read into the record emails submitted for Public Comment from the following: Helen Xiong: Cancel the Special Meeting and stop wasting our tax money. Raymond Chan: Disappointed that the City Council is abusing their power. Jing Lin: Stop wasting more City funds and resources on this political campaign. Lucy Zhang: Disappointed by calling Special Meetings and wasting our tax money. Andy Chen: Stop wasting more City funds and resources on this political campaign. Siuhing Kwok: Keep politics and the election out of the City Council discussions and stop wasting our taxpayers’ money. Fred Howe: Stop abusing your powers by calling Special Meetings and stop using our money to contribute to the election. Lynette Wang: You have wasted enough taxpayers’ money, stop trying to cover up your wrong doing. Nelson Ge: Timing of the Special Meeting is inappropriate. Janice Lau: Stop abusing City Council authorities. Jason Y. Xue: Stop wasting time and taxpayers dollars and focus on more important issues in the City. M. Quan: Council Member Tay failed to uphold his oath to Arcadia. Sidney Chan: Take care of your Police force. Edmund Liu: We need leadership on our Council, please do not waste more time and taxpayers’ money. Tina You: As the election is coming to an end it is getting more and more intense; can Council Member Amundson be investigated during this Special meeting? Sidney Chan: City divided by our politicians during City Council election, disappointed by the Mayor’s leadership during this pandemic crisis. OPEN SESSION TO THE PUBLIC a. Discussion and possible action concerning the results of the City Council directive issued at the April 7, 2020, City Council Special Meeting that all persons present at the December 19, 2017, and July 3, 2018, City Council meeting closed sessions submit emails to the City Manager by 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2020, indicating whether they released to anyone among the public confidential information or City Attorney advice from those closed sessions. City Attorney Deitsch introduced Open Session Item a.; he indicated that City Manager Lazzaretto was expected to receive eight emails by 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2020, indicating whether persons present at December 19, 2017, and July 3, 2018, City Council meeting closed sessions released to anyone among the public confidential information of City Attorney advice from closed session; he stated that Council Member Tay has not submitted the email that was expected; and explained the possible actions for the City Council to consider. A motion was made by Mayor Verlato, and seconded by Council Member Beck, to waive the attorney/client privilege regarding specific communications between the City Attorney and the City Council concerning the City Council meeting closed sessions on December 19, 2017, and July 3, 2018, concerning Crosby vs. the City of Arcadia. A substitute motion was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Chandler, and seconded by Council Member Beck, to accept that all persons present at the December 19, 2020, and July 3, 2018, City Council meeting closed sessions submitted emails to the City Manager, except for Council Member Tay, and that Council Member Tay has acknowledged during this Open Session meeting that he did not release to anyone among the public confidential information or City Attorney advice from those closed sessions, and therefore no further action is required. AYES: Chandler, Beck, Amundson, and Tay NOES: Verlato ABSENT: None In response to Mayor Verlato’s request, City Manager Lazzaretto addressed comments regarding the need for Personal Protective Equipment for our First Responders. The Special Meeting ended at 6:31 p.m. Linda Rodriguez Assistant City Clerk