HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 12a - Regular Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2024 1 06-04-2024
ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2024
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Verlato called the Study Session to order at 5:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Cheng, Kwan, Wang, Cao, and Verlato
ABSENT: None
City Manager Lazzaretto explained the need to add an emergency item to the agenda under
Closed Session, to address a letter received June 3 from Olivarez Madruga Law Organization,
LLP on behalf of Smart Property II, LLC (Applicant), pertaining to Continued Public Hearing Item
9.a - Proposed 16-Unit Housing Development Project at 314-326 S. Second Avenue.
City Attorney Maurer explained to the City Council that to add a closed session item to the agenda,
under Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) 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 Mayor Pro Tem Cao, 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 item to the agenda under Closed Session:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) to confer with legal counsel regarding
anticipated litigation.
AYES: Cao, Wang, Cheng, Kwan, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mike Veerman, Arcadia resident and member of Creative Housing Options Arcadia (“CHOA”),
appeared and expressed his interest and support to establish an inclusionary housing ordinance
in Arcadia.
STUDY SESSION
a. Report, discussion, and direction concerning the establishment of an inclusionary
housing ordinance to require affordable housing in certain residential projects.
Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg provided the PowerPoint
Presentation.
After City Council discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, and seconded by
Council Member Cheng to bring this item back for further discussion in three months.
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A substitute motion was made by Mayor Verlato, seconded by Council Member Kwan, to bring
this item back for further discussion at the July 16, 2024, City Council Meeting.
A substitute motion was made by Council Member Cheng, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cao,
and carried on a roll call vote to bring this item back for further discussion within three months’
time, provided that staff is able to obtain answers to the requests for information presented by
the City Council during the discussion.
AYES: Cao, Cheng, Kwan, Wang, and Verlato
NOES: Kwan and Verlato
ABSENT: None
b. Report, discussion, and direction regarding the City Council Certificate Policy.
This item was not discussed.
It was the consensus of the City Council to continue this item for discussion at the June 18, 2024,
City Council Meeting.
The Study Session ended at 6:40 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) to confer with legal counsel
regarding anticipated litigation.
No reportable action was taken.
The Closed Session ended at 7:02 p.m.
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Verlato called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.
2. INVOCATION – Pastor Terrence Shay, Arcadia Police Department Chaplain
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 two items listed on the posted agenda; he indicated that Item a. - the
establishment of an inclusionary housing ordinance, will be brought back to the City Council for
further discussion; and that Item b – discussion of the City Council Certificate Policy, was
continued to the June 18, 2024, City Council Meeting.
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City Attorney Maurer furthered reported that by a unanimous vote, the City Council added a
Closed Session item to the agenda due to a written threat of litigation received after the agenda
was posted, and that there was a need for immediate discussion about that item pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2).
6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA
ITEMS
City Manager Lazzaretto noted that a letter from Olivarez Madruga Law Organization, LLP, on
behalf of Smart Property II, LLC (Applicant), was received and provided to the City Council
regarding Continued Public Hearing Item 9.a - Proposed 16-Unit Housing Development Project;
he stated that given the volume of speaker cards received for this item and the time Public Hearing
Item 8.a is expected to take, he requested the City Council consider moving Continued Public
Hearing Item 9.a ahead of Public Hearing Item 8.a.
7. PRESENTATIONS
a. Presentation of an adoptable dog by Kevin McManus of the Pasadena Humane
Society.
Mayor Verlato moved Continued Public Hearing Item 9.a ahead of Public Hearing Item 8.a.
9. CONTINUED 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
City Manager Lazzaretto noted that Continued Public Hearing Item 9.a was being resumed from
the May 7, 2024, City Council Meeting, for follow-up questions or comments on the proposed
project.
Mayor Verlato opened the continued public hearing.
Philip Chan, Applicant on behalf of the property owner, Smart Property II, LLC, appeared and
thanked the City Council for their review and feedback on the proposed project; he stated that the
property owner is willing provide current tenants three months advance notice to vacate the
property, to include waiving rent costs during those months, pending project approval; he noted a
letter from the owner’s representative sent to the City Council and City staff, stating his position on
this matter; and requested the City Council uphold the Planning Commission’s approval.
In response to Council Member Cheng’s inquiry, Mr. Chan noted that the property manager is in
attendance; and restated that the property owner will provide tenants three months’ notice to
vacate and that during that period, tenants would not be required to pay rent.
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Ronnie Rudolph, Property Manager, appeared and indicated that more than half of the long-term
tenants have moved out; that the current tenants have a month-to-month agreement and are
paying market value rent; he reiterated what Mr. Chan stated and added that security deposits
would be returned to tenants; and he stated that only the property owner could commit to any
future changes in rent amounts for any tenants remaining on property.
In response to Council Member Wang’s comments, Mr. Rudolph indicated that the owner’s intent
is to leave tenants in place pending demolition permits.
Andrew Cook, an Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked the City Council for providing an
overview of the proposed project last month; he expressed his concerns about the project; and
shared the impact tenants are experiencing during this time.
Laura Moncada, an Arcadia resident, appeared and shared her experience since moving into the
building in 2023; she expressed concerns about property maintenance; she spoke about the need
for affordable housing; and she urged the City Council to reconsider the proposed project.
In response to Council Member Cheng’s inquiries, Ms. Moncada indicated that the roof leaked
during the rainy season and that Management placed a tarp over the affected area.
Stephanie Howe, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated that Management and the property
owner have not maintained the building; she indicated that repairs are needed throughout the
building; and she provided the City Council photos and a letter outlining the damages to her unit.
In response to Council Member Kwan’s inquiry, Ms. Howe indicated that she would like the
property owner to provide safe and habitable units.
In response to Council Member Cheng’s comments, Mr. Rudolph explained that tarps were
intended as a temporary solution; and he indicated that the (landscaping) sprinklers did not work
and the property was in disarray when purchased.
Mayor Verlato requested this item be continued to allow Code Enforcement to inspect the property
for any violations, allowing the property owner to correct any violations before the next Public
Hearing, and for the property owner to consider delaying the three-month notice to vacate by an
additional 12 months, following project approval by the City Council.
In response to Council Member Wang’s inquiry, Mr. Rudolph indicated that not every tenant pays
rent on time; that he is responsive to the tenants’ maintenance concerns; and indicated that he is
limited on the level of repairs and maintenance provided.
In response to Council Member Kwan’s comment, Mr. Rudolph agreed that interested applicants
should be notified of the demolition; he stated that he was unaware that the building was being
demolished until February 2024, which is when notices were provided to tenants.
Mr. Chang stated that he will speak to the property owner to address the issues that were
discussed; he indicated that the project approval process is very difficult and that certain concerns
such as traffic, mass, and height compatibility should have been addressed during the Arcadia’s
Development Code update; he noted that he will work with the management company to address
the tenant’s property maintenance concerns.
Mayor Verlato closed the continued public hearing.
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After City Council discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Verlato, seconded by
Council Member Wang, and carried on a roll call vote to continue this item to July 18, 2024, at
4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, to allow Code Enforcement to inspect the property within
the bounds of the City’s authority, giving the property owner the opportunity to correct any
violations.
AYES: Verlato, Wang, Kwan, Cheng, and Cao
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Resolutions relating to the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and
the Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29 Capital Improvement and Equipment Plan.
Resolution No. 7573 adopting a budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and appropriating the
amounts specified therein as expenditures from the various funds.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
Resolution No. 7574 adopting a Capital Improvement and Equipment Plan for Fiscal
Years 2024-25 through 2028-29.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
City Manager Lazzaretto provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Verlato opened the public hearing
Fiona Tai appeared and commended the City on its proposed budget.
Mayor Verlato closed the public hearing.
After City Council discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, seconded by Council
Member Kwan, and placed on a roll call vote to adopt:
Resolution No. 7573 adopting a budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and appropriating the amounts
specified therein as expenditures from the various funds; and
Resolution No. 7574 adopting a Capital Improvement and Equipment Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-
25 through 2028-29.
AYES: Cao, Kwan, Cheng, Wang, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. PUBLIC COMMENT
Fiona Tai, a resident of Los Angeles County, appeared and requested Arcadia’s assistance with
the Los Angeles County Water Department, to complete the permit process needed to complete
her accessory dwelling unit.
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11. 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.
Council Member Cheng provided a report on the various events that he attended or will be
attending as a representative of the City; he thanked his colleagues for their commitment to the
City; he thanked City staff for working tirelessly during the pandemic; and shared a special
moment he experienced at the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association’s 49th
Anniversary Installation & Awards Banquet (“SCCALA”).
Mayor Pro Tem Cao provided a report on the various events that he attended or will be attending
as a representative of the City; and announced that June 2 was National Cancer Survivors Day
and shared the significance of that day.
Council Member Kwan announced that on May 29 she attended the Welcome Reception for
Sandra Chen Lau, new president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation; she noted that Mexico
has a new female president; she commended women leadership; and congratulated Arcadia High
School Class of 2024.
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 June 13 is the State of the City; that June 29 is the
Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association’s Patriotic Festival & Fireworks event; she stated
that the City continues to have issues addressing homelessness in Arcadia; and she spoke about
a fatality in Monrovia resulting from an altercation between two unhoused individuals and a
neighbor, expressing her condolences to the family of the deceased.
City Attorney Maurer noted that the California Attorney General issued a formal opinion that State
of the City addresses are subject to the Brown Act, if a quorum of the City Council attends.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of May 21, 2024.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
b. Resolution No. 7562 setting service rates for the collection of residential refuse and
recyclables pursuant to Section 5120.7 of the Arcadia Municipal Code for Fiscal Year
2024-25.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
c. Resolutions relating to the General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday,
November 5, 2024.
Resolution No. 7566 calling for a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday,
November 5, 2024, for the election of members of the City Council in Electoral Districts
1 and 4 as required by the laws governing charter cities.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
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Resolution No. 7567 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles
to consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024,
with the Statewide General Election to be held on the same date pursuant to Section
10403 of the California Elections Code.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
Resolution No. 7568 adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining
to candidate statements submitted to the voters at a General Municipal Election to be
held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
d. Resolutions initiating proceedings for the annual levy and collection of assessments,
approving the Preliminary Engineer’s Report, declaring intention to levy and collect
assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and appointing a time and place for a public
hearing for the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1.
Resolution No. 7569 initiating proceedings for the annual levy and collection of
assessments for the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1 pursuant to the provisions
of Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code and ordering the
preparation of the Engineer’s Report.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
Resolution No. 7570 approving the Preliminary Engineer’s Report of Willdan Financial
Services for the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
Resolution No. 7571 declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments within the
Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and appointing a time
and place for a public hearing.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt.
e. Resolution No. 7575 establishing an appropriation limit for Fiscal Year 2024-25
pursuant to Article XIII-B of the California Constitution.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt
f. Agreement for services with the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce for Fiscal Year 2024-
25 in the amount of $97,900.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
g. Three-Year contract extension with SoCal Mailing Services for outgoing mail services
in an amount not to exceed $115,000 annually.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
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h. Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
i. Directing City Manager review of the City’s Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the
Political Reform Act of 1974.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
j. Purchase Order with Clean Energy for the purchase of Compressed Natural Gas
(“CNG”) fuel for the City’s fleet in an amount not to exceed $150,000.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
k. Purchase Order with TruePoint Solutions for annual hosting and support services for
the TrueBill utility billing software for Fiscal Year 2024-25 in the amount of $54,000.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Approve
l. Extension to the Purchase Order with Waterline Technologies, Inc. for the purchase
and delivery of sodium hypochlorite for the disinfection of the City's municipal water
supply in the amount of $136,434.37.
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 12.a through 12.l.
AYES: Cao, Wang, Cheng, Kwan, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
13. CITY MANAGER
a. Appointment to the LA Metro Transportation Authority/San Gabriel Valley Service
Council.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Make Appointment
City Manager Lazzaretto presented the Staff Report.
Temple City Council Member Ed Chen appeared and explained why he is interested in
appointment to the LA Metro Transportation Authority/San Gabriel Valley Service Council; and
requested the City Council’s support.
Council Member Cheng nominated Temple City Council Member Ed Chen. Mayor Pro Tem Cao
concurred.
Seeing no other nominations, it was the consensus of the City Council that Temple City Council
Member Ed Chen be selected to represent Arcadia/El Monte/Temple City to the LA Metro
Transportation Authority/San Gabriel Valley Service Council, for a term beginning July 1, 2024.
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14. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 9:47 p.m. to Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in
the City Council Conference Room.
Linda Rodriguez
City Clerk