HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10f - Establishing a City Council Health Committee
DATE: June 6, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dominic Lazzaretto, City Manager
By: Justine Bruno, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 7508 ESTABLISHING A CITY COUNCIL HEALTH
COMMITTEE
CEQA: Exempt
Recommendation: Adopt
SUMMARY
At the Study Session on May 16, 2023, the City Council approved the creation of a City
Council Health Committee to enhance health outcomes in the community. Resolution
No. 7508 outlines the purpose, scope of work, membership, staff support, limitations,
and requirements of the proposed Health Committee. It is recommended that the City
Council determine that this action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”); and adopt Resolution No. 7508, establishing a City Council Health
Committee.
BACKGROUND
At the January 17, 2023, City Council Meeting, Council Member Cao received support
to place the discussion of a City Health Commission on a future City Council Agenda.
This topic was brought to City Council for discussion on March 7, 2023. The Health
Commission discussion at the March City Council Meeting included information on
existing City Boards and Commissions; the economic impact of the health care industry
in Arcadia; the availability of health care resources in the community; and the purpose
and membership of the proposed Health Commission. Following the discussion on
March 7, the City Council voted to continue the conversation to a future Study Session.
The next discussion on the proposed Health Care Commission took place at the City
Council Study Session on April 18, 2023. At this meeting, Council Member Cao
presented more information on the Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission and
answered follow-up questions regarding the proposed scope of work. At this Study
Session and on the March 7, 2023, City Council Meeting, there was public testimony
from several local physicians in support of a City Health Commission. Following the
Resolution No. 7508 - Establishing a Health Committee
June 6, 2023
Page 2 of 3
Study Session on April 18, the City Council moved to continue the conversation, and
subsequently, the Health Commission was next discussed at the City Council Study
Session on May 16, 2023.
During the Study Session on May 16, 2023, no new information was presented by
Council Member Cao, nor was any public testimony provided. At this meeting, the City
Council reached a compromise that entailed formulating a Health Committee that would
consist of two City Council Members and was limited to providing health education and
the creation of a health fair. The City Council voted 4-1 to approve this proposal and
Resolution No. 7508 was prepared as a result.
DISCUSSION
The proposed City Council Health Committee (“Committee”) will function as a standing
committee, which does not have a definitive end-date, making it subject to Open
Meeting Laws (the “Brown Act”). Unless the Committee’s work concludes naturally, the
Health Committee will remain in place until it is dissolved by a majority vote of the City
Council.
The purview of the Committee is limited to providing health education and a health fair
for Arcadia residents. Currently, the Recreation and Community Services Department
provides an annual health fair for Arcadia seniors, 50 years of age and older. The next
such event is scheduled for September 1. Providing health education and a health fair
may require City resources beyond staff time. Any requests for funding to accomplish
the approved mission will be addressed by the City Manager within current budgets, or
will be brought to the full City Council for consideration and approval.
Council Members Cao and Wang have been selected to serve as the initial delegates to
the Health Committee. Future assignments will be handled by the Mayor along with all
other committee, board, and commission appointments. It is expected that the
Committee will meet on a regular basis to advance its authorized scope of work, but the
exact frequency will be established by the Committee. The Committee will be supported
by City staff as designated by the City Manager. The City Manager has indicated that
the Recreation and Community Services Department is the logical support staff for this
Committee.
The Committee will provide updates to the City Council as necessary and may enlist the
expertise of local health care providers in relation to accomplishing their mission of
health education and the community health fair.
Resolution No. 7508 - Establishing a Health Committee
June 6, 2023
Page 3 of 3
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact associated with establishing a City Council Health Committee is
expected to be commensurate with other City Council Subcommittees. At this time, it is
expected that the Committee can accomplish its mission through the use of in-kind
services and existing staff time, with little to no direct costs. Any expenses beyond what
can be absorbed in departmental budgets will be brought to the City Council for
approval through a supplemental budget appropriation.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action is exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and adopt Resolution No. 7508
establishing a City Council Health Committee.
Attachment: Resolution No. 7508