HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11a - Regular Meeting Minutes of August 16, 202208-16-2022
ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Beck called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. INVOCATION – Pastor Eva Thai-Erwin, Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist
Church
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Cub Scout Pack 122
4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Danielson, Tay, Verlato, Cheng, and Beck
ABSENT: None
5. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA
ITEMS
City Manager Lazzaretto announced that there was no supplemental information.
6. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND
WAIVE THE READING IN FULL
A motion was made by Mayor Beck and seconded by Council Member Verlato to read all
ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full.
7. PRESENTATIONS
a. Presentation to longtime resident Alice Wang for her service to the community.
b. Presentation to longtime resident Edie Slemmon for her service to the community.
c. Presentation of Mayor’s Certificate of Commendation to the following Troop 104 Boy
Scouts for earning the Eagle Scout Award; Nolan Chu, Alex Lew, Andrew Seymour,
Alex Tandoc, and Ethan Thomas.
d. Presentation of WaterSmart Hero Awards.
e. 2022 Patriotic Festival Presentation by Donna Choi, Executive Director of Downtown
Arcadia Improvement Association.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Denial of the appeal of Single-Family
Architectural Design Review No. SFADR 21-13 with a categorical exemption under
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) for a proposed two-story residence
at 26 E. Santa Anita Terrace.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 7454 to Deny the Appeal and Uphold the
Planning Commission’s Decision
08-16-2022
Assistant Planner Arreola presented the staff report.
City Engineer Wray presented details on the currently proposed driveway access.
In response to Council Member Verlato’s inquiries regarding a single-story home, Assistant
Planner Arreola explained that the homeowner was advised that the Code required a 25-foot
setback, which only allowed for the maximum of 2,121 square feet for the home as a single story;
therefore, they proposed a 2-story due to the shape of the lot and cul-de-sac setback.
Mayor Beck opened the public hearing.
Yang Liu, the appellant, expressed her concerns of the safety of the proposed driveway and
provided an alternate proposal to avoid accidents.
City Engineer Wray responded to the appellant and stated that the alternate proposed driveway
is feasible as long as both property owners agree.
In response to Council Member Verlato’s inquiry about preventing people from thinking the
driveway was a continuation of the street, City Engineer Wray explained that there would be
reflectors and/or signs at the end of the street.
In response to City Attorney Deitsch’s inquiry about the property owners filing an easement
agreement, City Engineer Wray advised that all of the shared driveways would be in the public
right of way.
Marianne Martin, appellant, shared that the new home would overlook her pool and would take
away their privacy; in response to Mayor Beck, Mrs. Martin agreed that if the homeowner planted
screening trees/shrubs 6-feet or taller, that would resolve the privacy issue.
In response to Mayor Beck, property owner, David Ngo agreed to installing screening trees/shrubs
and stated that he is in favor of any option the neighbor chooses for the driveway as he is a father
just trying to build a home for his family.
A motion to close the public hearing was made by Mayor Beck. The City Council concurred.
Discussion ensued regarding changes to the Conditions of Approval.
Mayor Beck re-opened the public hearing.
In response to Mayor Beck, property owner Mr. Ngo, stated that he approves and trusts the City
Planners with their proposed decisions and just asked that appeals end here.
A motion was made by Mayor Beck to close the public hearing. The City Council concurred.
After Council discussion a motion was made by Council Member Verlato, seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Cheng, and carried on a roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7454 with the following
amendments added to the Conditions of Approval: (1) Construct a shared driveway as proposed
by the City Engineer; (2) owner/applicant shall inform their contractors to use E. Santa Anita
Terrace for loading and unloading and, if possible, park on the subject site during construction;
(3) owner/applicant shall be required to construct a new 6’-0” high wall along the westerly property
line; (4) landscaping shall be planted in the right-of-way dedication area as indicated on the plans
and shall be maintained by the property owner; and (5) owner/applicant shall plant 6’-0” tall
08-16-2022
hedges/shrubs along the side yard areas, rear yard areas, and within the 5’-0” landscape planter
between the hammerhead driveway and northerly property line.
AYES: Verlato, Cheng, Danielson, Tay, and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
b. Ordinance No. 2390 related to Text Amendment No. TA 22-02 amending various
sections of Article IX, Chapter 1 of the Arcadia Development Code incorporating new
objective design standards for multi-family and mixed-use development, updates to
the Density Bonus Ordinance, and minor changes to the Accessory Dwelling Unit
Ordinance with a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”).
Recommended Action: Introduce
Planning Manager Graham presented the staff report.
Scott Martin, Licensed Architect and Principal from RRM Design Group, presented an overview
of the objective design standards.
In response to Council Member Verlato’s inquiry, Planning Manager Graham noted that the $123
million dollar funding was made available by the State to cities so that they may update changes
to their Municipal Code to allow for more housing.
Mayor Beck opened the public hearing. No one appeared.
A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Verlato, seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Cheng, and seeing no objection, Mayor Beck declared the public hearing closed.
After Council discussion a motion was made by Council Member Verlato, seconded by Council
Member Tay, and carried on a roll call vote to introduce Ordinance No. 2390 related to Text
Amendment No. TA 22-02 amending various Sections of Article IX, Chapter 1 of the Arcadia
Development Code incorporating new objective design standards for multi-family and mixed-use
development, updates to the Density Bonus Ordinance, and minor changes to the Accessory
Dwelling Unit Ordinance with a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”).
AYES: Verlato, Tay, Danielson, Cheng, and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gary Kovacic, former Mayor and President of the Foothill Unity Center appeared and invited all
to attend the Golden Plate Awards Gala fundraiser on Sept 22, at the Santa Anita Racetrack and
provided contact information for anyone who would like to attend or donate.
Kathy Berlin, a member of the League of California Voters, called in to address the League’s
concerns with Consent item 11e. and asked the City to look into purchasing electric ambulances.
08-16-2022
Carol Wuenchelle, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke about Consent item 11e; she stated
that gas ambulances are a pollutant and asked Arcadia to look into purchasing electric
ambulances.
Angela Hui, an Arcadia resident, called and spoke about current public safety issues such as the
alarming increase in crime rate, and residential and commercial burglaries; she stated that she
can no longer trust solicitors and asked City Council what residents should do to protect
themselves.
10. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from
the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense [AB 1234]).
City Clerk Glasco had no comments.
Council Member Tay announced that he attended the Arcadia Chinese Association Installation
Dinner on August 5; he invited all to attend the LA Chinese Community Health Fair on August 20
at the Arcadia Recreation Center from 10-2; he further announced that he will be attending the
Memorial Service for Mary Hansen this Saturday at Our Savior Lutheran Church; and he shared
that there have been a lot of catalytic converter thefts, and reminded residents to park in their
garage or well lit areas.
Council Member Danielson thanked Recreation and Community Services Director Somogyi and
the Recreation Department for Concerts in the Park and stated that the National Night Out was a
great success; he announced that he attended one of the POPS concerts at the Arboretum; he
participated in three ribbon cuttings that were partnered through the Arcadia Chamber of
Commerce; he also attended the Arcadia Chinese Association Installation Dinner and
congratulated Sara Ho and David Lee, who are the new presidents; he indicated that he attended
the Human Resource Commission meeting and thanked them for doing a great job; he thanked
the Arcadia Police Department for all their training that led to the conclusion of the horrible incident
that took place in District 5 on August 10; he sent his prayers to the Police Officer and neighbor
that were injured during this incident; and cautioned people to use good judgement for their posts
and responses on social media.
Mayor Pro Tem Cheng announced that there are free classes available at Monrovia Adult School
and thanked his former teacher Heidi Wilson for providing him with that information; he shared
photos from National Night Out; he met Terrance William who is a member of the MAD Town
Council which represents the unincorporated areas of Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte; he shared
that if there are any residents that live in the unincorporated parts of Arcadia and need assistance,
thy may contact the MAD Town Council; he thanked City Staff for National Night Out; he shared
photos of Arcadia Police Officer and reminded residents what our Police Officers do for us on a
daily basis; he announced that he attended a water conservation meeting by Well “Water
Education for Latino Leaders” on August 13; he shared a photo with information for Mary Hansen’s
Memorial Service on August 20; he stated that he is the liaison of the Library Commission and
shared that on August 27 there will be a book sale with 5 books for $1 that will support the library;
and lastly he shared a quote “I am not what has happened to me. I am what I choose to become,”
by Carl Jung.
Council Member Verlato thanked the Arcadia Police Department for their bravery that they showed
during the incident last week and applauded them for the way they were able to handle the
situation and apprehend the suspect without the loss of any lives; she announced that she will
attend the Memorial Services for Mary Hansen on August 20; she announced that the Highland
Homeowners Association will be hosting a presentation on water conservation and wildfire
08-16-2022
prevention on August 18 in the Arcadia Council Chambers at 7pm; and announced that at last
month’s San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments meeting they approved a homeless outreach
program that the City will be participating in and stated that she is excited for this new program.
Mayor Beck commended the Arcadia Police Department for handling and responding to the
incident on August 10; he announced that he will also attend the Memorial Services for Mary
Hansen on August 20; he stated that he will attend the ribbon cutting of Ikea Design Studio on
August 31; he attended the Arcadia Chinese Association Dinner, and congratulated David Lee
and Sara Ho as the new co-Presidents; he indicated that the Electronic Waste recycling event at
the Santa Anita Racetrack was a success and recommended residents to participate in future
events; he shared that this morning was Coffee with the Mayor and shared that it is held on the
3rd Tuesday of every month; and lastly he attended the Eagle Court and shared some photos and
congratulated the five young men that received the Eagle Scout award.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Beck pulled item 11e. and asked City staff if purchasing electric ambulance is an option.
City Manager Lazzaretto advised that it is not viable to purchase electric ambulance for the size
of the ambulance that the City currently requires.
Chief Spriggs stated that they looked into electric ambulance options, but there are currently no
larger frame ambulances that are viable to the City’s needs.
It was moved by Council Member Verlato and seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on
a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 11.e.
AYES: Verlato, Tay, Danielson, Cheng, and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of July 19, 2022.
Recommended Action: Approve
b. Ordinance No. 2389 amending Arcadia Municipal Code Section 4137 of Part 3 of
Chapter 1 of Article IV (“The Public Welfare, Morals and Policy Code”) to establish
peafowl feeding prohibitions on private property with an exemption from the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”).
Recommended Action: Adopt
c. Ordinance No. 2393 amending the Arcadia Municipal Code by adding Part 10 to
Chapter 6 of Article II (“The Administration Code”) to establish an attorney fees
recovery provision for prevailing litigation related to all local tax collection matters with
an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”).
Recommended Action: Adopt
d. Resolution No. 7455 determining the amount of revenue to be raised from property
taxes for Fiscal Year 2022-23 to pay for the debt service on the 2021 General
Obligation Refunding Bonds.
Recommended Action: Adopt
08-16-2022
e. Resolution No. 7456 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Equipment Replacement
Program Budget authorizing a supplemental budget appropriation for the purchase
and upfitting of two (2) New Rescue Ambulances in the amount of $452,456, offset by
a reduction in the Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund; and approving a Purchase
Order with Emergency Vehicle Group for the purchase of two (2) new 2023 Dodge
Ram 5500 Two-Wheel Drive Road Rescue Ultramedic Type I Ambulances in the
amount of $812,956.
Recommended Action: Adopt and Approve
f. Resolution No. 7457 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 General Fund and authorizing a
supplemental budget appropriation in the Police Department for
Crossing Guard Services in the amount of $15,820, offset by a reduction in the General
Fund Reserve; and Professional Services Agreement with All City Management
Services.
Recommended Action: Adopt and Approve
g. San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments’ Wildlife Management Framework.
Recommended Action: Adopt
h. Contract with Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Pavement
Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $1,727,000, with a 10% contingency.
Recommended Action: Approve
i. Contract with 316 Engineering and Construction Co., Inc. for the Valve Replacement
Project in the amount of $131,300.
Recommended Action: Approve
j. Professional Services Agreement with First Transit, Inc. for a three-year contract with
two one-year optional extensions for the daily operation of the Arcadia Transit Dial-A-
Ride and Fixed Route System with a year-one cost of $2,260,859 for 2022-23.
Recommended Action: Approve
k. Extension to the Services Agreement with WaterSmart Software, Inc. to provide Water
Conservation Education Software for Arcadia water customers in the amount of
$133,407.
Recommended Action: Approve
l. Purchase Order with Yamada Enterprises for new furniture and charging systems for
the Arcadia Public Library in the amount of $168,239.08.
Recommended Action: Approve
m. Purchase Order with Daniels Tire Service, Inc. for the purchase of tires and tire related
services for City vehicles in an amount not to exceed $75,000.
Recommended Action: Approve
n. Purchase 6,000 acre-feet of imported cyclic storage water from the main San Gabriel
Basin Watermaster in the amount of $5,412,000.
Recommended Action: Approve
o. Change Order to the Purchase Order with Merrimac Petroleum, Inc. dba Merrimac
Energy Group for the purchase and delivery of fuel for the City’s fleet in an amount not
to exceed $150,000.
08-16-2022
Recommended Action: Approve
p. Revised Classification Specification for Library Services Manager.
Recommended Action: Approve
q. Find that, due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, state and local officials continue
to recommend measures to promote social distancing, and therefore the City Council
and all other City Boards and Commissions may meet virtually.
Recommended Action: Make Findings
It was moved by Council Member Verlato, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on a
roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 11.a through 11.d and 11.f through 11.q.
AYES: Verlato, Tay, Danielson, Cheng, and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. CITY MANAGER
a. Designate Council Member Tay as the Voting Delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Cheng as
the Alternate Voting Delegate for the 2022 League of California Cities Annual
Conference & Expo; and support Cal Cities’ bylaws amendments.
Recommended Action: Approve
City Manager Lazzaretto presented the Staff Report.
A motion was made by Council Member Verlato, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng, and carried
on a roll call vote to approve Council Member Tay as the Voting Delegate and Mayor Pro Tem
Cheng as the Alternate Voting Delegate for the 2022 League of California Cities Annual
Conference & Expo; and to support Cal Cities’ proposed bylaws amendments.
AYES: Verlato, Cheng, Danielson, Tay and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
b. Participation in San Gabriel Valley Council of Government's High Acuity Homeless
Outreach Program and Services to supplement existing Homeless Services Program
as part of a regional response to addressing homelessness.
Recommended Action: Approve
City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff Report
Recreation and Community Services Director Somogyi clarified that there are two programs being
provided. The High Acuity program which would provide one day a week of service and the
Supplemental Services to Existing City Services will provide 4 hours once a week.
A motion was made by Council Member Verlato and seconded by Council Member Danielson to
approve the participation in San Gabriel Valley Council of Government’s High Acuity Homeless
Outreach Program and Services to supplement existing Homeless Services Program as part of a
regional response to addressing homelessness. The motion carried on a roll call vote.
08-16-2022
AYES: Verlato, Danielson, Tay, Cheng, and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
13. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned in memory of longtime resident Mary Hansen, at 10:21 p.m. to
Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room.
Rachelle Arellano
Deputy City Clerk