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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10a - Special Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2024, and Regular Meeting Minutes of May 7, 2024 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Verlato called the Special Meeting to order at 6:06 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 8:38 p.m. No reportable action was taken. Linda Rodriguez City Clerk 1 05-07-2024 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2024 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Pro Tem Cao called the Closed Session to order at 4:06 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cheng, Kwan, Wang, and Cao ABSENT: Verlato City Manager Lazzaretto and City Attorney Maurer explained the need to add an emergency item to the agenda under Closed Session, to address a letter received earlier in the day from California Housing Defense Fund pertaining to Public Hearing Item 8.a - Proposed 16-Unit Housing Development Project at 314-326 S. Second Avenue. City Attorney Maurer further explained to the City Council that to add a closed session item, under Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(3), to the agenda pursuant to Section 54954.2(b) of the Brown Act, they would need to make the following two findings: (1) the need to take action tonight (2) and that the need to take action arose after the agenda was posted. The City Council determined they could make both required findings based on the posted agenda, and timing of the correspondence received after the agenda was posted. A motion was made by Council Member Cheng, seconded by Council Member Wang, and carried on a roll call vote to find that there is an immediate need to address a matter that arose after the agenda was posted, and to add the following items to the agenda under Closed Session: • 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) AYES: Cheng, Wang, Kwan, and Cao NOES: None ABSENT: Verlato Mayor Verlato arrived at 4:22 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS – No one appeared. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2024-26 and Proposed Capital Improvement and Equipment Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-29. City Manager Lazzaretto provided the PowerPoint Presentation. After discussion, the City Council directed staff to bring this item back for further discussion at the May 21, 2024, City Council Meeting. 2 05-07-2024 The Study Session ended at 5:35 p.m. CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) to confer with legal counsel regarding the matter of Aldo Perez 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) No reportable action was taken. The Closed Session ended at 6:41 p.m. Regular Meeting City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Verlato called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. 2. INVOCATION – Pastor Andre Bribiesca, Vessel Calvary Chapel Arcadia 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Verlato 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 prior to the Regular Meeting the City Council met in a Study Session to discuss the proposed budget; he further reported that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss two items. One item was for pending litigation as noted on the posted agenda, and the second item for potential significant exposure to litigation. He stated that by a 4-0 vote, the City Council added the item to the agenda to confer with legal counsel pursuant to Section 54954.2(b) of the Brown Act on the basis that there was a written threat of litigation received after the agenda was posted, and that there was a need for immediate discussion about that item. He noted that there was no action taken on the Study and Closed Session items. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto noted for the record four emails received for public comment; and indicated that two of the public comments were related to Public Hearing Item 8.a and that the other two were related to Public Hearing Item 8.b. 3 05-07-2024 7. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of an adoptable dog by Kevin McManus of the Pasadena Humane Society. b. Presentation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day Proclamation to Emily Wu Truong. 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Resolution No. 7563 affirming the Planning Commission approval of Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 23-03, Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 23-05 (84291), Healthy Tree Removal No. TRH 23-04, and Protected Tree Encroachment No. TRE 23-10 for a 16-unit, contemporary style, multi-family residential condominium development at 314-326 S. Second Avenue. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Uphold Planning Commission Approval Planning Manager Graham presented the Staff Report. Philip Chan, Applicant on behalf of the property owner, Smart Property LA II LLC, appeared and presented an overview of the proposed project. Mayor Verlato opened the Public Hearing. Dolores Arbour, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her concerns regarding the proposed project; she submitted a letter in opposition of the proposed development; and stated that if the project is approved, a stop sign should be placed at California Street and at Duarte Road to slow vehicle traffic. Stephanie Howe, an Arcadia resident, appeared and explained why she is opposed to the proposed project; she provided a signed petition from residents of the neighborhood who also oppose the project. In response to Mayor Verlato’s inquiries, Ms. Howe indicated that her monthly rent is $1,900 and that she does not know where she will relocate if she is forced to vacate her residence due to this project. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg referred the affected residents to the Housing Rights Center, the City’s website, and the Planning Division to obtain additional resources and assistance. Robert Ip, a representative of the property owner, appeared and responded to Ms. Howe’s concerns related to landscaping, proper noticing for relocation, and the cost of rent; he indicated that the new property owners have been following the rules and regulations that were enacted by the previous owners. In response to Mayor Verlato’s inquiry, Mr. Ip indicated that he did not know the intended sale price of the proposed condominiums. 4 05-07-2024 Public comment concluded and Mayor Verlato asked Council Member Kwan to present her position for the call-up of this item. Council Member Kwan presented materials and images in support of her request to call this item up for the City Council’s review. Mayor Verlato invited Mr. Chan to respond to Council Member Kwan’s concerns related to the design of the proposed project and affordable housing. He indicated that the design is based on Arcadia’s Zoning Code; he noted existing projects in Arcadia that offer affordable housing; and he requested the City Council approve the proposed project. In response to City Manager Lazzaretto’s inquiry, given the opportunity to work with a different zoning code, Mr. Chan indicated that he would not change the design of the proposed 16-unit development. Mayor Verlato closed the Public Hearing. After City Council discussion, Council Member Kwan made a motion to overturn the Planning Commission’s approval of Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 23-03, Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 23-05 (84291), Healthy Tree Removal No. TRH 23-04, and Protected Tree Encroachment No. TRE 23-10 for a 16-unit, contemporary style, multi-family residential condominium development at 314-326 S. Second Avenue. The motion failed for lack of a second. A motion was made by Council Member Cao, and seconded by Council Member Cheng, to adopt Resolution No. 7563 affirming the Planning Commission’s approval of Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 23-03, Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 23-05 (84291), Healthy Tree Removal No. TRH 23-04, and Protected Tree Encroachment No. TRE 23-10 for a 16-unit, contemporary style, multi-family residential condominium development at 314-326 S. Second Avenue. A substitute motion was made by Mayor Verlato, seconded by Council Member Wang, and carried on a roll call vote to continue this item for 30 days to allow for further City Council consideration. AYES: Verlato, Wang, Kwan, Cheng, and Cao NOES: None ABSENT: None Mayor Verlato recessed the meeting at 9:17 p.m. and reconvened at 9:23 p.m. b. Annual Military Equipment Report per Assembly Bill No. 481. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve Police Chief Nakamura presented the Staff Report. Mayor Verlato opened the Public Hearing. No one appeared. Mayor Verlato closed the Public Hearing. 5 05-07-2024 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, seconded by Council Member Kwan, and carried on a roll call vote to approve the Annual Military Equipment Report per Assembly Bill No. 481. AYES: Cao, Kwan, Cheng, Wang, and Verlato NOES: None ABSENT: None 9. PUBLIC COMMENT Kevin Mak, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his concerns with traffic at the intersections of Second Avenue and Foothill Boulevard, and Golden West Avenue and Duarte Road; and he urged the City Council to consider installing left turn arrow signals at those intersections. 10. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense [AB 1234]). Council Member Wang provided a report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; she spoke about the importance of public safety; and requested City Council support to add an item to a future agenda to discuss the creation of a public safety commission; Mayor Verlato clarified that the item she requested is already scheduled for the next City Council Meeting. Council Member Kwan spoke about the importance of maximizing land use and encouraged developers to use Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) guidelines. She indicated that the City’s planning guidelines promote a diverse environment that is welcoming to all projects, whether it be affordable housing or large home developments, and that these guidelines are in place to help maximize land use. Council Member Cheng thanked his colleagues for remaining professional when expressing their point of view on City related matters; he thanked members of the public for sharing their comments; he announced that May 11 is Law Day; May 25 is Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s 26th Annual Tribute to Veterans and Military Families event; and he thanked City staff for all they do and for working tirelessly during the pandemic. 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 announced that May 7 is National Teacher Appreciation Day; he expressed his support for mental health awareness; and noted that May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Mayor Verlato provided a report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; she announced that the Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled that Senate Bill 9 does not apply to Charter Cities. City Attorney Maurer clarified that Senate Bill 9 requires cities to allow lot splits; and stated that the Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled that charter cities are not required to follow SB 9 and, therefore, do not have to allow lot splits. Mayor Verlato noted an email received from White Springs Café indicating that the establishment will no longer offer dine-in service due to homeless interfering with its customers dining experience; and she wished all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day. 6 05-07-2024 Council Member Wang offered Mayor Verlato words of encouragement during this difficult time with her mother; and she congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Cao on becoming a Division President of the League of California Cities’ Los Angeles Division. 11. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Special Meeting Minutes of April 11, 2024, and Regular Meeting Minutes of April 16, 2024. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve b. Resolution No. 7560 approving participation in Year 4 of the Los Angeles Urban County Permanent Local Housing Allocation (“PLHA”) Program; identifying proposed activities for $966,044 in PLHA funding; and authorizing the Mayor, or designee, to sign a reimbursable contract with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (“LACDA”). CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt c. Resolution No. 7561 amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program budget, authorizing a supplemental budget appropriation for the City Facilities Exterior Painting Project (Project No. 17821024) in the amount of $26,920.33, offset by a reduction in the Capital Outlay Fund; and approve a contract with Mackone Development, Inc. for the City Facilities Exterior Painting Project in the amount of $326,920.33. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Adopt and Approve d. Professional Services Agreement with Fire Facilities, Inc. for design services for the Arcadia and United States Forest Service Joint Training Center in the amount of $60,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve e. Contract with Express Energy Services, Inc. for the Repair Underground Field Lighting Short Project in the amount of $38,872.76. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve f. Contract with Carrier Corporation for the Library HVAC Unit Replacements in the amount of $140,469. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve g. Contract with Lexipol to provide Policy Implementation and Management Services for the Fire Department in the amount of $40,221 and an annual subscription cost of $12,192. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve 7 05-07-2024 h. Renewal of the Weed Abatement Services Agreement between the City of Arcadia and the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Department. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve i. Authorize payment of the Annual Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program cost share in the amount of $220,828.96 to the Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Watershed Management Joint Powers Authority. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve j. Purchase Order with Black & White Emergency Vehicles, LLC for the purchase of vehicle outfitting supplies and services in the amount of $142,695.86. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve k. Purchase Order with Inductive Automation, LLC for the purchase of Ignition SCADA Platform software in the amount of $47,901.20. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve l. Purchase Order with Calgon Carbon Corporation for Carbon Exchange Services for the Live Oak GAC Treatment System in the amount of $212,562. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve m. Reject bid from Coast-to-Coast Custom Mobile, and approve a Purchase Order with Glendora Chevrolet for the purchase of one 1/2-ton 2024 Chevrolet Four-Wheel Drive Tahoe in the amount of $76,828. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, seconded by Council Member Cheng, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 11.a through 11.m. AYES: Cao, Cheng, Kwan, Wang, and Verlato NOES: None ABSENT: None 12. CITY MANAGER a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding potential modifications to the City Council meeting schedule. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Amend Summer Meeting Schedule City Manager Lazzaretto presented the Staff Report. After City Council discussion a motion was made by Council Member Kwan to modify the existing meeting schedule to skip the first meeting in the months of January, July, and September. 8 05-07-2024 The motion failed for lack of a second. 13. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned the meeting at 10:14 p.m. to Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room. Linda Rodriguez City Clerk