HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11a - Special and Regular Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2024
ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Verlato called the Closed Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Cheng, Kwan, Wang, Cao, and Verlato
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS – No one appeared.
CLOSED SESSION
a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) to confer with legal counsel
regarding the matter of Robert Bartley v. City of Arcadia.
b. Confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation.
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Facts and Circumstances: Written threat of litigation (Government Code Section
54956.9(e)(3)) Unknown to Potential Plaintiffs.
No reportable action was taken.
The Closed Session ended at 6:10 p.m.
STUDY SESSION
a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding changes to the Artificial Turf Regulations
in residential zones after community outreach.
City Manager Lazzaretto provided an overview of events that led to Study Session Item a. and
noted three emails received for public comment.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Development Services Kruckeberg provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
Mayor Verlato opened public comment.
Laurie Thompson, an Arcadia resident and Chair of the Santa Anita Village Association
Architectural Review Board, appeared on behalf of the Association and urged the City Council
not to increase the allowable use of artificial turf; and recommended the City Council hold off on
taking any action pending forthcoming activity at the State level.
Greg Medeiros, an Arcadia resident and Chair of the Rancho Santa Anita Residents’ Association
Architectural Review Board, appeared and indicated that there are more sustainable methods for
water conservation; he stated that the Metropolitan Water District (“MWD”), which manages the
Water Conservation Program for southern California, is no longer offering rebates for the
installation of artificial turf; and noted this could be an indication that MWD has concerns about
promoting additional use of artificial turf.
Jenna Ng, an Arcadia resident, appeared and provided reasons why she is in support of the
increased use of artificial turf; she stated that her front lawn was replaced with artificial turf and
she was not aware of the regulations in place prior to installation; that she is working with Code
Enforcement to become compliant; and urged the City Council to increase the acceptable amount
of artificial turf.
After discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, seconded by Council Member
Cheng, and carried on a roll call vote to continue to study this item, leave the existing artificial turf
regulations in place, and withhold code enforcement on existing cases that do not meet the City’s
standards while staff continues to study the item.
AYES: Cao, Cheng, Kwan, Wang, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
b. Report, discussion, and direction regarding hosting future Moon Festival Special
Events in Arcadia.
Recreation and Community Services Director Somogyi presented Study Session Item b.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Verlato, seconded by Council Member Kwan, and carried
on a roll call vote to approve a budget in the amount of $30,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and to
proceed with preparations for the Moon Festival, scheduled for September 14, 2024.
AYES: Kwan, Wang, Cheng, Cao, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The Study Session ended at 6:43 p.m.
Linda Rodriguez
Assistant City Clerk
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ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Verlato called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. INVOCATION – Reverend Jolene Cadenbach, Arcadia Congregational Church
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Scouts BSA Troop 333-G
4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Cheng, Kwan, Wang, Cao, and Verlato
ABSENT: None
5. REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING CLOSED/STUDY SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Maurer reported that the City Council met in a Closed Session to discuss the two
items listed on the posted agenda and indicated that no reportable action was taken. He further
reported that the City Council met in a Study Session to consider the two items listed on the
posted agenda.
City Attorney Maurer indicated that the first item was to discuss artificial turf regulations in
residential zones; he stated that three public comments were received and on a 5-0 vote, the City
Council directed staff to continue to study the item, leave the existing artificial turf regulations in
place, and withhold code enforcement on existing cases that do not meet City standards while
staff studies the item. City Attorney Maurer further reported that regarding the second Study
Session item (consider preparations and budget needs for the 2024 Moon Festival), on a 5-0 vote,
the City Council directed Staff to move forward with preparations for the 2024 Moon Festival,
including a budget of $30,000.
6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA
ITEMS
City Manager Lazzaretto had nothing to report.
7. PRESENTATIONS
a. Presentation of Mayor’s Certificates of Commendation to Scouts BSA Troop 333-G
for obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ringo Suen, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his concerns regarding traffic safety at
Arcadia High School during pick up and drop off time; he reported on recent traffic accidents that
involving students; and urged the City Council to create a traffic safety commission.
Charlie Tang, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke about a traffic accident involving his son; and
urged the City Council to create a traffic safety commission.
James Wei, an Arcadia resident, appeared and shared why a law prohibiting excessive lighting should
be implemented in the City; he indicated that the complex he lives in has excessive lighting disrupting
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others that live there; and urged the City Council to implement a law prohibiting excessive light in the
evening hours.
In response to Mr. Wei’s comments, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
Kruckeberg clarified that the City has rules and regulations in place that address excessive lighting;
and stated that the Code Enforcement Division would contact him to further investigate the issue.
Tony Dong, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke about a traffic accident that occurred near
Arcadia High School involving his son; he expressed his concerns regarding traffic safety during drop
off and pick up times; and provided other suggestions for traffic safety.
In response to City Manager Lazzaretto’s inquiries, Mr. Dong stated that the accident occurred on
Santa Anita Avenue and Alice Street; he provided details about the incident; he indicated that police
officers were on scene when he arrived; and he confirmed that a police report was filed.
Council Member Wang noted an email received on February 23 with photos of the incident; and
indicated that the City is working with Arcadia High School to address traffic safety issues.
9. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from
the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense [AB 1234]).
Mayor Pro Tem Cao provided a report on the various events that he attended or will be attending
as a representative of the City; he expressed the importance of public safety; and reported on
organizations at the State and County level that work with cities to combat local retail theft.
Council Member Cheng thanked the public speakers for sharing their comments; he provided a
report on the various events that he attended or will be attending as a representative of the City;
and he announced that on March 26, the Arcadia Police Department is hosting its Battle of the
Badges Blood Drive event.
Council Member Wang noted that her son is an Arcadia High School student and traffic safety at
schools is very important to her; she provided a report on the various events that she attended or
will be attending as a representative of the City; and reported on the importance of affordable
housing.
Council Member Kwan addressed Mr. Suen regarding his traffic safety concerns and requested
City Council support to place an item on a future agenda, to consider the creation of a Traffic
Safety Commission (Mayor Verlato and Council Member Cheng concurred); she also provided a
report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a representative of the City;
and highlighted the important growth of women’s leadership in the workforce.
Mayor Verlato provided a report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a
representative of the City; she reported on recent incidents that occurred in the City involving the
unhoused; that she hopes the City Council identifies solutions to address homelessness in
Arcadia; and she issued an apology to her colleagues for using inappropriate language in the past
when discussing homelessness.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes of March 9,
2024.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
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b. Resolution No. 7547 amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program
Budget and authorizing a supplemental budget appropriation for installation of new
netting at Arcadia Par 3 in the amount of $186,719.68, offset by a reduction in the Par
3 Fund; and approve a contract with KYA Services, LLC for installation of new netting
at Arcadia Par 3 in the amount of $169,745.16, plus a 10% contingency.
CEQA: Exempt
Recommended Action: Adopt and Approve
c. Resolution No. 7549 approving the blanket authority to file applications for Measure A
grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
d. Professional Services Agreement with Golden Meters Service Inc. for large water
meter testing, repairs, and calibration services in an amount not to exceed $34,145.
CEQA: Exempt
Recommended Action: Approve
e. Contract with American Asphalt South, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Annual Slurry
Seal Project in the amount of $1,201,535.
CEQA: Exempt
Recommended Action: Approve
f. Contract with GRBCON Incorporated for the Valve Replacement Project in the amount
of $146,255.
CEQA: Exempt
Recommended Action: Approve
g. Contract with Yunex LLC (Yunex Traffic) for the Huntington Drive Traffic Signal
Improvement Project in the amount of $534,955, plus a 10% contingency.
CEQA: Exempt
Recommended Action: Approve
h. Extension to the Contract with Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc. for extraordinary traffic
signal maintenance services in the amount of $88,407.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
i. Extension to the Contract with Sheldon Mechanical Corporation for HVAC preventative
maintenance and repair services at various City facilities in an amount not to exceed
$297,970.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
j. Reject all bids received for the Baldwin Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project and
direct staff to re-bid the project.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
Council Member Cheng requested Consent Calendar Item 10.j be pulled for separate discussion.
It was moved by Council Member Kwan, seconded by Council Member Wang, and carried on a
roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 10.a through 10.i.
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AYES: Cao, Wang, Kwan, Cheng, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
In response to Council Member Cheng’s inquiries, City Manager Lazzaretto provided a brief
explanation of the changes made to the bid for the Baldwin Avenue Streetscape Improvement
Project; he shared that the core components of the project will remain the same; and that the
method in which the project is being completed allows the City to save money.
In response to Council Member Wang’s inquiry, Assistant City Manager/Development Services
Director Kruckeberg provided a breakdown of the budget for the project.
A motion was made by Council Member Cheng, seconded by Council Member Wang, and carried
on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 10.j.
AYES: Cheng, Wang, Kwan, Cao, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 8:12 p.m. to Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council
Conference Room.
Linda Rodriguez
Assistant City Clerk
ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024
CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Verlato called the Special Meeting to order at 12:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Cheng, Kwan, Wang, Cao, and Verlato
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS – No one appeared.
CLOSED SESSION
a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 to confer with labor negotiators.
City Negotiators: City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, Assistant City
Manager/Development Services Director Jason Kruckeberg, Interim
Administrative Services Director Henry Chen, and Interim Human Resources
Director Anely Williams.
Employee Organizations: Arcadia Public Works Employees Association, Arcadia
City Employees Association, Arcadia Police Civilian Employees Association,
Arcadia Police Officers’ Association, Arcadia Firefighters’ Association, and
unrepresented employees: Department Heads, Division Managers, Supervisors,
and part-time employees.
The Special Meeting ended at 5:43 p.m.
No reportable action was taken.
Linda Rodriguez
Assistant City Clerk