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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11a - Special and Regular Meeting Minutes of August 4, 2020 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Chandler called the Special Meeting to order at 6:01p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beck, Cheng, Verlato, Tay, and Chandler ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS Brian Goldin: called and expressed his reasons why he opposed to the sale of the proposed City Parking Lots. Steve Rhee: called and expressed his reasons why he is in support of the proposed mixed-use project but cautioned the City about parking issues in the area, especially during construction. CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 to confer with Real Property Negotiators. Property: City Parking Lots (Assessor Parcel Nos. 5773-301-900 and 901) Agency Negotiators: City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Jason Kruckeberg, and City Attorney Stephen P. Deitsch Property Negotiators: Andy Zhang, NWI, Inc. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2) to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation: one (1) case. The Closed Session items were pulled from the agenda and will be brought back for discussion at the August 18, 2020, City Council meeting. STUDY SESSION (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) a. Report, discussion, and direction concerning potential mixed-use project at 211 and 233 E. Huntington Drive. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg introduced the item; Patrick Nesbitt, owner of the Embassy Suites, and Richard Bruckner, Senior Land Use Specialist at Mayor Brown, presented drawings of the potential mixed-use. Dustin Nicolarsen, owner of the Derby restaurant, explained the benefits of relocating and restoring the Derby restaurant; and asked the City Council to consider supporting the potential mixed-use project. The City Council discussed modifying the bulky design of the proposed new building; they recommended that the developer relocate the proposed new building further back from the street; consider the number of residential units proposed for this mixed-use unit development; consider the number of parking spaces and parking needs of the entire area; and consider combining the property next to the proposed site. It was the consensus of the City Council to further consider the proposed mixed-use project located at 211 and 233 E. Huntington Drive and direct Staff to work with the Applicant to implement the City Council’s recommendations. The Study Session ended at 6:39 p.m. Linda Rodriguez Assistant City Clerk 1 08-04-2020 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Chandler called the regular meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. 2. INVOCATION – First Reader Kristin Bennett, First Church of Christ, Scientist 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – City Manager Lazzaretto 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beck, Cheng, Verlato, Tay, and Chandler 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 Special Meeting; he reported that the two items listed on the posted agenda under Closed Session were pulled from the agenda and will be brought back for discussion at the August 18, 2020, City Council meeting; he further announced that the City Council met in a Study Session to receive a report from the owners of Embassy Suites and the Derby restaurant lots regarding a proposed mixed-use project at 211 and 233 E. Huntington Drive; he indicated that the proposed project involves the relocation of the Derby restaurant building on to the parking lot area of the Embassy Suites property on Huntington Drive; he stated that it was the consensus of the City Council to consider the proposed project including modifying the bulky design of the proposed new building; relocate the proposed new building further back from the street; the number of residential units that would be proposed for this mixed-unit development; and the number of parking spaces and parking needs of the entire area. The applicants will work with staff to obtain the necessary land use approvals in the future. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto stated that there was no supplemental information; at the request of Mayor Chandler, City Manager Lazzaretto explained the protocol to help manage the flow of the meeting; and noted that during Public Comment, callers will be limited to one minute due to the number of public comments that need to be read into the record. 7. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Council Member Beck and seconded by Council Member Tay to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Resolution No. 7329 upholding the Planning Commission’s approval of HOA Appeal No. 20-01 and Minor Administrative Modification No. Minor AM 20-09 with a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) to 2 08-04-2020 construct a first and second story addition to an existing one story residence at 2011 Highland Oaks Drive. Recommended Action: Deny the Appeal and Uphold the Planning Commission’s Decision Associate Planner Song provided the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Chandler opened the public hearing. Henry Huey, the Appellant, called and expressed his concerns with the City’s process in noticing public hearings; he requested that the City Council schedule the agenda for tonight’s meeting to accommodate those currently attending the ARB meeting; he indicated that he is not opposed to the Applicant’s project; he explained his reasons why he is opposed to the proposed two-story addition; and asked the City Council to overturn the Planning Commission’s decision to approve the construction of a second story addition to an existing one story residence at 2011 Highland Oaks Drive. Julie Wu, the Applicant, called and explained her reasons for the proposed two-story addition to the existing one-story home; she indicated that her family has outgrown the home; and stated that she has revised the design of the plans to meet the ARB’s requests. In response to Council Member Verlato’s inquiries, Ms. Wu, indicated that at the request of the ARB, the original design changed to ranch style from French country; she indicated that she is satisfied with the modifications made by the Planning Commission; and that the dormers are necessary for visual appeal and to break up the roof eaves. In response to Council Member Verlato’s inquiries, Wallace Fu, the architect, indicated that new ranch style homes incorporate new elements to traditional designs; and explained why the dormers were incorporated. In response to Mr. Fu’s comments, Ms. Wu indicated that there are many non-ranch style homes in the neighborhood that are compatible; and that many features of the proposed design give it a traditional ranch style design. In response to Council Member Verlato’s inquiry, Ms. Wu indicated that the ARB did not request specific changes be made in order to approve the design. City Manager Lazzaretto noted for the record that there are six callers on the line. Tom Ohara, called and explained his reasons why he is in favor of the proposed remodel at 2011 Highland Oaks Drive; and asked the City Council to deny the appeal and approve the proposed two-story addition. Jasna Tomic, called and explained her reasons why she is opposed to the proposed project; Lily Berkum, called and expressed her concerns regarding the size and height of the remodel. Lilia Montano, called and expressed her support for the proposed two-story remodel. Brian Cravens, a licensed architect, called and expressed his reasons why the proposed project should be approved; he indicated that the design falls under the zone requirements; and recommend the City Council approve the project. 3 08-04-2020 City Manager Lazzaretto, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg and Deputy City Manager Bruckner read into the record emails submitted for Public Hearing Item 8.a. The following individuals submitted emails in support of the proposed first and second-story addition to an existing one-story residence at 2011 Highland Oaks Drive. Li Pan William Dickey Kaori Shibata Matt Mettler Hank and Donna Kan Gang Sun Denise Milazo Benjamin and Lilia Shabtay Evelyn Douglass Lorri Licher Roger Gejyy Xiugin Wu Rusmee Kamson Alison Kalmus Elaine Conrad Jenny Li Chantal Cravens Emily Wang Charles and Katherine Shepherd Sara Hatanaka Rong Fan Alpha Liu Robert Lee Wendy Dang Lilia Montano Robert Stover Mary Zhou The following individuals submitted emails opposing the proposed first and second-story addition to an existing one-story residence at 2011 Highland Oaks Drive. Connie Ching Ka-Ming Pang and Ya-Huel Kuo Knut Dale John Karunananthan George Hynes Betty Saleh Jean Tsunashima Lee Kuo Joseph Sciarra Jasna Tomic Lee Marshall Lily Berkun David Arvizu Mr. Huey addressed comments made by callers; he indicated that the use of story poles would provide a better understanding of the massiveness of the project; and explained why his property is impacted by the proposed project. In response to Mr. Huey’s comments, Ms. Wu stated that she did not prevent Mr. Huey from trimming the trees; she explained why the story poles would give a false view of the roof line; she also explained why the roof pitch should not be reduced; and address comments made regarding the elevation of her property. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Tay, seconded by Mayor Chandler, and seeing no objection, Mayor Chandler declared the public hearing closed. After City Council discussion, Council Member Verlato made a motion to deny the Appeal with the conditions that: 1) the roof pitch be reduced from 4:12 to 3:12, 2) lower the second-floor plate height from 9 feet to 8.5 feet, 3) decrease window sizes on the second-floor front elevation to be proportional to the window sizes on the first-floor front elevation, 4) remove the second-floor dormers; and 5) direct staff to bring back at the next City Council meeting a resolution containing the negative findings and facts supporting each of the findings. The motion failed for lack of a second. 4 08-04-2020 A substitute motion was made by Council Member Beck, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7329 upholding the Planning Commission’s approval of HOA Appeal No. 20-01 and Minor Administrative Modification No. Minor AM 20-09 with a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) to construct a first and second story addition to an existing one story residence at 2011 Highland Oaks Drive. AYES: Beck, Tay, Cheng, and Chandler NOES: Verlato ABSENT: None 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS City Manager Lazzaretto noted for the record that two emails were submitted for Public Comment from the following: Sriram Varadharajan: Regarding Agenda Items 11.c. purchase of ammunition, and 11.e. purchase of electronic materials for the Arcadia Library. Comments on excessive spending by the City during the current crisis, requests that the City Council review spending in each department. Steve Rhee: Concerns about the potential parking problems that may arise due to the proposed Huntington Plaza project. 10. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense [AB 1234]). Mayor Chandler announced that August is the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for water conservation; that Saturday, August 15 is the Too Toxic to Trash event, a free household hazardous and electronic waste drive-thru collection event at the Santa Anita Race Track; and that the City launched a new Transit App; Council Member Beck commented on the Derby restaurant’s anniversary; announced that tomorrow is the Mayor’s birthday; he wished City Clerk Glasco well; he shared an incident that occurred at an unoccupied home; he encouraged everyone to place unoccupied homes on the Vacant Home Registry; and also encouraged everyone to wear face coverings. Council Member Cheng shared a story regarding two pastors in China that traveled to America; he encouraged everyone to stay positive during this pandemic; he commended City Manager Lazzaretto and the City Council for all they do; he announced that Donna Choi will be speaking at the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, August 6; he reminded everyone that the Arcadia Methodist Hospital is a nonprofit organization; he encouraged everyone to provide donations to the hospital; and thanked the City Council for their continued support; Council Member Verlato wished Mayor Chandler a happy birthday; she announced that last week she was on vacation in Utah; that starting October 3, the Pasadena Showcase House is providing a virtual tour of the 56th Annual Pasadena Showcase House of Design; that the organization is hosting an online auction, a fundraiser to support the Pasadena Junior Symphony; she reported on the homelessness problem in the San Gabriel; and wished City Clerk Glasco a speedy recovery. 5 08-04-2020 Mayor Pro Tem Tay stated that Arcadia Methodist Hospital needs donations; he indicated that the Arcadia Police Foundation donated laser protective eyewear to the Arcadia Police Department; and thanked the residents for their support. 11. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Special and Regular Meeting Minutes of July 21, 2020. Recommended Action: Approve b. Resolution No. 7325 approving certain Transfer Agreements between the City of Arcadia and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (“District”) for the Safe, Clean Water Program – Municipal Program and Regional Program. Recommended Action: Adopt c. Purchase of ammunition from San Diego Police Equipment Co., Inc. in an amount not to exceed $112,700. Recommended Action: Waive the Formal Bid Process and Approve d. Purchase Order with Core & Main for the purchase of Data Log Radio Read Water Meters for the City’s Water Distribution System in the amount of $250,000. Recommended Action: Approve e. Purchase Order with OverDrive, Inc. for Electronic Materials in the amount of $60,000. Recommended Action: Approve f. Amendment to the Service Agreement with Tyler Technologies for improvements to the EnerGov Permit Tracking System to add Citizen Self-Service and Mobile Inspections Technology in the amount of $18,301. Recommended Action: Approve. g. Contract with Hardy & Harper, Inc. for the Pavement Rehabilitation of Huntington Drive between Santa Clara Street and Fifth Avenue, and 2019 Miscellaneous Arterial Rehabilitation in the amount of $1,796,000. Recommended Action: Approve h. Accept all work performed by Pacific Hydrotech Corporation for the Live Oak Well TCE Treatment Construction Project as complete. Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tay, seconded by Council Member Cheng, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 11.a through 11.h. AYES: Tay, Cheng, Beck, Verlato, and Chandler NOES: None ABSTAIN: Verlato (only for Item 11.g) 12. CITY MANAGE a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding COVID-19. City Manager Lazzaretto provided an update on COVID-19. No action was requested or taken. 6 08-04-2020 13. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Chandler indicated that he will adjourn this meeting in honor of the 8 marines that passed away in a training accident. The City Council meeting adjourned at 10:39 p.m. to Tuesday, August 18, 2020, 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Linda Rodriguez Assistant City Clerk