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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/15/2022 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022 1. CALL TO ORDER— Mayor Tay called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. INVOCATION — Mayor Pro Tern Cheng 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — City Clerk Glasco 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beck, Verlato, Cheng, and Tay ABSENT: None 5. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto reminded the audience to submit public comment cards prior to the Mayor calling for public comment. 6. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Council Member Verlato and seconded by Council Member Beck to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. 7. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation by the Foothill Unity Center Inc. regarding services provided to the community. 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Direct the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner to abate nuisances upon those properties located in the City of Arcadia and approve the Annual Weed Abatement Property list. Recommended Action: Approve City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report. Mayor Tay opened the public hearing. No one appeared. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Verlato and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng; seeing no objection, Mayor Tay declared the public hearing closed. 1 02-15-2022 It was moved by Council Member Verlato, seconded by Council Member Beck, and carried on a roll call vote to confirm the County of Los Angeles Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Weed Abatement Charges and order the County Auditor to enter the amounts of the assessment against the parcels of land as they appear on the current assessment roll. AYES: Verlato, Beck, Cheng, and Tay NOES: None ABSENT: None b. Resolution No. 7407 approving General Plan Amendment No. GPA 21-02 with a negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") updating the Housing Element for the 2021-2029 Housing Cycle. Recommended Action: Adopt Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg and Matt Horton of Kimley- Horn presented the staff report. Mayor Tay opened the public hearing. City Manager Lazzaretto noted for the record a letter received and distributed to the City Council from Matthew Gelfand, counsel for Californians for Homeownership; and emails received from Mike Veerman in support of the Housing Element, and Juan Luna recommending the use of a local skilled and trained workforce. Carolyn Iga, a business owner in Downtown Arcadia, appeared and expressed her support for the Housing Element; she commented on the homelessness problem in Arcadia; she shared ideas on how the City can maintain control of affordable housing; and expressed her support for the unhoused community in Arcadia. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Verlato and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Cheng; seeing no objection, Mayor Tay declared the public hearing closed. It was moved Mayor Pro Cheng, seconded by Council Member Beck, and carried on a roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7407 approving General Plan Amendment No. GPA 21-02 with a negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") updating the Housing Element for the 2021-2029 Housing Cycle. AYES: Cheng, Beck, Verlato, and Tay NOES: None ABSENT: None 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS Lucy, an Arcadia resident, appeared and commented on why the City was forced into redistricting; she provided her reasons why she is opposed to Council Member Verlato's maps; and indicated that she is in support of Map 103. Susan Guo, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her disappointment in the City Council for failing to call for a special election in District 5; she noted that the City is at risk of facing a 2 02-15-2022 possible lawsuit; she urged the City Council to find a solution for filling the vacancy; and explained her reasons why she is in support of Maps 103 and 111. Ross Heckmann, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his disappointment with an incident that occurred at Arcadia County Park in which LA County Sheriffs ordered homeless people to leave the Park without legal authority; he commended the City of Arcadia for abiding by the law; and hopes that the City and everyone on either side of these controversies are willing to maintain the rule of law. Bessie Politis, an Arcadia resident, appeared and questioned Council Member Verlato's ability to serve the citizens of Arcadia; she requested Council Member Verlato address her motives for visiting Arcadia County Park; she stated that Council Member Verlato is advocating for the transients at the Park; and asked Council Member Verlato to explain her actions at the Park when the community has expressed their stance regarding the homeless community in the City. City Manager Lazzaretto noted for the record that approximately 10 emails were received for Public Comment pertaining to redistricting; he indicated that those emails have been provided to the City Council and will be added to the record along with the other public comments that have been received. Mayor Tay assured everyone that all emails submitted for Public Comment are also received and read by the City Council. 10. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense(AB 1234J). Mayor Pro Tern Cheng thanked and commended the Arcadia Police Department for their service; he encouraged the community to thank our first responders; and thanked City staff for all they do. Council Member Beck agreed with Mayor Pro Tern Cheng's comments and thanked him for the well wishes; he expressed his condolences for the passing of his neighbor Myron Tarkanian; he commented on the Foothill Unity Center and its expense ratio; he announced that February 26 is opening day for the Arcadia National Little League; and commended the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce for their impressive brochure. Council Member Verlato expressed her condolences for the passing of Mr. Tarkanian; she addressed Ms. Politis' comments regarding her visits to the County Park; she spoke about two letters received by the City regarding a lawsuit involving Mayor Tay's intent to run for a third term of office; she explained why she was opposed to calling a special election; she indicated that there are no proper procedures for appointing and calling a special election to fill the vacancy in District 5; she noted that a motion was made to appoint Angela Hui and to call for a special election, and that the motion was turned down. City Clerk Glasco commended the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce for their annual member directory and thanked them for displaying the Arcadia Vietnam War Memorial Monument in it; he provided an update on his medical condition; and stated that he hopes to attend the next City Council meeting in person. Mayor Tay addressed Council Member Verlato's comments regarding the lawsuit against the City; he spoke about the importance of government transparency; he stated that as an elected official his job to listen to his constituents; he explained his reasons why he supported a special election; 3 02-15-2022 he clarified that he did not appoint Angela Hui due to a conflict of interest; and noted that he supports National Demographics Corporation's recommendation of Maps 103 and 111. 11. CONSENT CALENDAR — a. Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2022. Recommended Action: Approve b. Contract with Premier Pipe, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Annual Sewer CCTV inspections in the amount of$38,340. Recommended Action: Approve c. Contract with Mission Paving and Sealing, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Annual Slurry Seal Project in the amount of$534,922.10. Recommended Action: Approve d. Extension to the Contract with Yunex LLC (previously known as Siemens Mobility, Inc.) for Extraordinary Traffic Signal Maintenance Services in the amount of $78,047.80. Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Council Member Beck, seconded by Council Member Verlato, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 11.a through 11.d. AYES: Beck, Verlato, Cheng, and Tay NOES: None ABSENT: None 12. CITY MANAGER a. 90-Day Report on Camping Enforcement Efforts. Recommended Action: Receive and File Police Chief Nakamura presented the Staff Report. Steven Dai called and expressed his frustration with Council Member Verlato's actions regarding homelessness in the City; he indicated that Council Member Verlato does not listen to the community's concerns regarding this issue; and stated that Tiny Homes are not the solution for the homelessness crisis. Scott Chamberlain, Executive Director of the San Gabriel Valley Consortium on Homelessness, called and stated that he deeply appreciates Police Chief Nakamura's comments regarding the 90-day report, and the Housing Element Presentation; he expressed his support for the City in responding to homelessness; he commented on the Housing Element; and he encouraged the City Council to develop a comprehensive plan for homelessness. Peter called and expressed his support for the homeless in Arcadia. Sonia, an Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked the City Council and City staff for their work on the 90-day report on camping enforcement efforts; she commented on the incident that occurred at Arcadia County Park in which LA County Sheriffs evacuated the unhoused; she urged — 4 02-15-2022 the City Council and County to find a solution to the growing homelessness problem at the park; 1.1 and urged the City Council to protect the rights of the homeless. Angela Nunez, an Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked City Manager Lazzaretto for providing the 90-day report on camping enforcement efforts; she expressed her disappointment with the City Council's delay in coming up with a resolution; she provided her reasons why she is opposed to the development of affordable housing at the Arcadia Par 3 Golf Course; she thanked Council Member Verlato for educating the homeless and public with regard to their human rights; and recommended Mayor Tay allow others interested in running for City Council when his term is up. Kirk Olsen, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his gratitude to the City Council for continuing to address the homelessness problem; he indicated that the City needs to provide more assistance to the unhoused; he stated that the Anti-Camping Ordinance indicates where the unhoused cannot camp in the City; he stated that the ordinance does not mention Arcadia County Park; that the City does not have authority over that Park; and that in order to stop overnight camping at the Park the City needs to provide housing. Angie Gren, an Arcadia resident, appeared and addressed Council Member Verlato's motives for visiting County Park; she also clarified that the Housing Coordinator assigned to the Park has never visited the Park; that there is no outreach being done; she indicated that there is so much violence going on at County Park which is not being reported; that the unhoused camping at the Park are being attacked by transients; and that Council Member Verlato does not fully understand what is truly going on at the Park. •� Jacob Pierce, Secretary for Monrovia Housing and Tenants Advocates, appeared and commented on the 90-day report on camping enforcement efforts; he spoke about the ongoing homelessness issues in the City; he expressed his support for the unhoused, local law enforcement, and the City's continued efforts in addressing those issues. Police Chief Nakamura addressed Ms. Gren's concerns regarding the violence and crime going on among the homeless at County Park; he indicated that he is not familiar with County Park's rules regarding overnight camping; he stated that Arcadia Police Officers do not direct those that are occupying the no camping zones to the County Park; that LA County Sheriffs have jurisdiction at the Park; and that they are addressing those incidents according to their protocol. City Manager Lazzaretto indicated that the City will contact the Sheriff's Department to inquire about their Anti-Camping policy and the alleged sweep incident that occurred at the County Park and will report back to the City Council and the community. In response to Ms. Gren's comment regarding the housing navigator, City Manager Lazzaretto stated the City has been in contact with its service provider and that they have reassured the City that the housing navigator will visit the County Park to offer services to those that are interested; he noted that numbers have gone down over the three month period; that the City will continue collecting data and will bring back a more detailed report at the March 15 City Council Meeting on the remaining parts of the five point plan on homelessness; and he reminded everyone that February 22 is the annual homeless point and time count, that the County is still looking for volunteers, and that those interested should contact the County. A motion was made by Council Member Verlato and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Cheng to receive and file this report, and direct City staff to bring back another report within 90 days. AYES: Verlato, Cheng, Beck, and Tay NOES: None 5 02-15-2022 ABSENT: None Mayor Pro Tern Cheng commented on some of the comments made by the public speakers. b. Presentation of the General Fund Fiscal Year 2020-21 year ending result, Fiscal Year 2021-22 Mid-Year Budget Review and proposed protects for the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") Funds. Recommended Action: Approve Use of ARPA Funds; Receive and File Reports Administrative Services Director Quach and Financial Services Manager Henry Chen presented the staff report on the status of the budget. City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report on the proposed uses for ARPA funds. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng and seconded by Council Member Verlato to bring back a report regarding the proposed projects for the American Rescue Plan Fuds for further discussion at the March 1, 2022, City Council Meeting. AYES: Cheng, Verlato, Beck, and Tay NOES: None ABSENT: None 13. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned at 11:00 p.m. to Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room. ayor of the of Arcadia ATTEST: Assistant City Clerk 6 02-15-2022