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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10a - Special Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2024, and Special and Regular Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2024 1 09-24-2024 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Cao called the Special Meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cheng, Verlato, Wang, Kwan, and Cao ABSENT: None Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Council Member Kwan attended the City Council Meeting via teleconferencing from The Peninsula Chicago, 108 East Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, at 6:30 p.m. 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 Closed Session ended at 4:35 p.m. No reportable action was taken. The City Council reconvened in the City Council Chambers at 4:40 p.m. City Manager Lazzaretto noted for the record that all City Council Members were present for this portion of the Special Meeting and that Mayor Pro Tem Kwan is participating via teleconference. PUBLIC COMMENTS David Fu, Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke about the potential consequences if the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for the Arcadia Firefighters’ Association is not approved; and he encouraged the City Council to adopt the MOU. John Ansell, President of the Arcadia Fighters’ Association (“AFFA”), appeared and provided his reasons why the AFFA’s MOU should be adopted. Anonymous, self-identifying as “Batman,” appeared and provided his explanation for why the City Council should approve the MOUs for the Arcadia City Employees’ Association and Arcadia Firefighters’ Association using curse words and potentially offensive language. 2 09-24-2024 City Attorney Maurer noted for the record that the City Council does not support or endorse the language used or the comments that were made by the previous speaker. Anabel Carrillo, President of the Arcadia City Employees’ Association (“ACEA”), appeared and shared her reasons why the ACEA’s MOU should be approved; she thanked the City Council Members who support the ACEA’s MOU, and thanked City Manager Lazzaretto for his support. OPEN SESSION TO THE PUBLIC a.Resolutions approving Memorandums of Understanding establishing compensation and related benefits for represented employee groups, and amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund Operating Budget authorizing a budget appropriation for costs associated with the adoption of the Memorandums of Understanding. Resolution No. 7594 approving a Memorandum of Understanding establishing compensation and related benefits for employees represented by the Arcadia City Employees’ Association (“ACEA”) for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 7597 approving a Memorandum of Understanding establishing compensation and related benefits for employees represented by the Arcadia Fire Fighters’ Association (“AFFA”) for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 7595 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund Operating Budget authorizing a budget appropriation in the amount of $1,715,800 for costs associated with adoption of the Arcadia City Employees’ Association and the Arcadia Fire Fighters’ Association Memorandums of Understanding. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt City Manager Lazzaretto stated that this item was presented to the City Council for adoption at the September 17, Regular Meeting, and that on a 3-2 vote (Cheng and Cao voted in the affirmative), the City Council voted to deny the proposed resolutions. He explained that for the City Council to reconsider this item, a member of the majority group must make a motion to reconsider that item at the next meeting. A motion was made by Council Member Wang, seconded by Council Member Cheng, and placed on a roll call vote to reconsider adopting Resolution Nos. 7594; 7597; and 7595. AYES: Wang, Cheng, and Cao NOES: Verlato, Kwan ABSENT: None After City Council discussion a motion was made by Council Member Cheng, seconded by Council Member Wang, and placed on a roll call vote to adopt: Resolution No. 7594 approving a Memorandum of Understanding establishing compensation and related benefits for employees represented by the Arcadia City Employees’ Association (“ACEA”) for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027; and 3 09-24-2024 Resolution No. 7597 approving a Memorandum of Understanding establishing compensation and related benefits for employees represented by the Arcadia Fire Fighters’ Association (“AFFA”) for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027; and Resolution No. 7595 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund Operating Budget authorizing a budget appropriation in the amount of $1,715,800 for costs associated with adoption of the Arcadia City Employees’ Association and the Arcadia Fire Fighters’ Association Memorandums of Understanding. AYES: Cheng, Wang, and Cao NOES: Verlato, Kwan ABSENT: None The Special Meeting ended at 6:04 p.m. Linda Rodriguez City Clerk 1 10-01-2024 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Cao called the Special Meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cheng, Verlato, Wang, Kwan, and Cao ABSENT: Verlato Council Member Verlato arrived at 5:05 p.m. 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. b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) to confer with legal counsel regarding the matter of Albert Yeznaian v. KJR Eastern Enterprises, Inc., a corporation; Linyan Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company; City of Arcadia, a government entity; County of Los Angeles a government entity; Kin Wa Chiu, and individual; and Does 1 through 50, inclusive, Los Angeles County Superior Court (Case No. 22STCV11585). c. Confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. Potential initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): one (1) Case. The Closed Session ended at 5:18 p.m. No reportable action was taken. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mike Veerman, Arcadia resident and a member of Creative Housing Options Arcadia (“CHOA”), appeared and expressed his support for the proposed inclusionary housing ordinance; he indicated that the proposed ordinance is within the bounds of other cities; and encouraged the City Council to move forward with the proposed ordinance. 1 10-01-2024 Cung Nguyen, Arcadia resident, appeared in support of the proposed inclusionary ordinance; and encouraged the City Council to move forward with the proposed ordinance. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction concerning the establishment of an inclusionary housing ordinance to require housing in certain residential projects (Continued from June 4, 2024). Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg provided the PowerPoint Presentation. After discussion, the City Council provided staff general direction regarding the proposed inclusionary housing ordinance, and the item will be brought back to a future meeting for City Council action. The Special Meeting ended at 6:36 p.m. Linda Rodriguez City Clerk 1 10-01-2024 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Cao called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. INVOCATION – Reverend Darwin Ng, Arcadia Police Department Chaplain 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Joe “Peppy” Sciarra, World War II Veteran and Arcadia Resident 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cheng, Verlato, Wang, Kwan, and Cao 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 Special Meeting to consider the items listed on the posted agenda under Closed Session and indicated that no reportable action was taken. He further reported that the City Council conducted a Study Session to discuss a potential inclusionary housing ordinance; he indicated that the City Council provided direction to staff and that this item will be brought back at a future meeting. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto had nothing to report. 7. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of an adoptable dog by Kevin McManus of the Pasadena Humane Society. b. Presentation of Mayor’s Certificate to Santa Anita Little League teams - State Championship. c. Presentation of Fire Prevention Week Proclamation. d. Presentation of the American Councils for International Education’s Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (“YSEALI”) Sustainable Development and the Environment Fellows in the City of Arcadia. 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Temporary Use Permit No. TUP 24-16 for Apex Global Group Inc. to host the 2024 Los Angeles Lantern Art Expo at the south parking lot of Santa Anita Park (285 W. Huntington Drive). CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve Associate Planner Yesayan presented the Staff Report. 2 10-01-2024 Mayor Cao opened Public Comment for this item. Jimmy Huang, “Applicant” representing Apex Global Group Inc., appeared and provided an overview of the 2024 Los Angeles Lantern Art Expo. Mayor Cao closed the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kwan, seconded by Council Member Verlato, and placed on a roll call vote to approve Temporary Use Permit No. TUP 24-16 for Apex Global Group Inc. to host the 2024 Los Angeles Lantern Art Expo at the south parking lot of Santa Anita Park (285 W. Huntington Drive). AYES: Kwan, Verlato, Cheng, Wang, and Cao NOES: None ABSENT: None 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sonia, Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her concerns with statements made by Council Member Cheng during his reelection campaign regarding Arcadia’s public safety employees; and shared her experience with off-duty Arcadia first responders at Council Member Cheng’s campaign rally. Angela, Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her concerns with statements made by Council Member Cheng during his reelection campaign regarding Arcadia’s public safety employees. She also shared her experience with off-duty Arcadia first responders at Council Member Cheng’s campaign rally. Steve Rhee, Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his concerns about the fiscal impact the Memorandums of Understanding (“MOUs”) of represented employees will have on the City’s budget; he commented on statements made by the City Council pertaining to these MOUs; and spoke about the importance of transparency. Wen Huang appeared and expressed her concerns about the Elara Project, an affordable housing development that will provide units to formerly unhoused individuals; and indicated that she was surprised to learn that the project location has an Arcadia address. Jinghui Chen appeared and expressed his concerns about the Elara Project; he indicated that he does not understand why there is an unincorporated part of the City; he expressed confusion over how the project was approved; and stated that the project is unfair to surrounding residents. Mary Rovarino, Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her concerns about the impact the Memorandums of Understanding (“MOUs”) for represented employees will have on the City’s budget; she emphasized the importance of transparency; and she encouraged the City Council to reconsider the adoption of the MOUs. Lucy Zhang, Arcadia resident, shared her experience with a small oppositional protest at Council Member Cheng’s campaign rally; and she expressed her disappointment with statements made by Council Member Verlato and Sonia Martin to ABC7 News regarding off-duty Arcadia first responders. She also shared her concerns about the Elara Project and urged the City Council to encourage Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger not to proceed with the project. 3 10-01-2024 Susan Guo, Arcadia resident, appeared and commented on the City Council’s discussion over labor contract negotiations; she explained why she felt some of the arguments were inconsistent and misleading; and commended the City Council Members who have supported the labor contracts. David Fu, Arcadia resident, appeared and explained why he is in support of the proposed labor agreements for employee compensation; he encouraged the City Council to approve the agreement; and he shared how the City can avoid a deficit by focusing on growing its revenue. 10. 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 Kwan thanked the public speakers for expressing their concerns about the City’s budget; she noted the value of hearing different perspectives; and spoke about the importance of transparency. In response to public comments made regarding the Elara Project, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg clarified that the Project is in an unincorporated part of Los Angeles County even if it has an Arcadia mailing address; he explained that the City Council has no authority over the Elara Project and that the Los Angeles County Development Authority is the responsible agency. He indicated that the project was already approved but did not go through a typical approval process because it meets certain requirements per State Law by providing affordable housing; and he stated that more information about the Project will be available on the City’s website. Council Member Verlato provided a report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; she thanked the Chamber of Commerce for reigniting the Taste of Arcadia event and for their work to support the Arcadia business community; she commended the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation for their work in the arts for Arcadia’s youth; and noted that she attended the memorial service for Bill Barton, Arcadia’s Veteran of the Year in 2022. Council Member Cheng recognized the concerns of some of the public speakers over the City’s budget; he noted that the City Council wants what is best for the City; he addressed comments made about the off-duty first responders that were present at his campaign rally; and encouraged anyone with concerns over the City’s budget to contact the City Manager’s Office. Council Member Wang announced that October is National Hispanic Heritage Month; and provided a report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a representative of the City. Mayor Cao provided a report on the various events that he attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; he announced that October 23 is the next Citywide Health Seminar – Breast Cancer in the 21st Century; he stated that as a representative of District 5 and as the Mayor, public safety is his top priority; and he thanked Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg for providing an update on the Elara Project. 11. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Special and Regular Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2024. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve 4 10-01-2024 b. Resolution No. 7593 acknowledging receipt of a report made by the Fire Chief of the Arcadia Fire Department regarding inspections of certain occupancies required by Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt c. Resolution No. 7598 establishing compensation and related benefits for City Council, Executive Management, Management, and Unrepresented Confidential Employees for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027, and Resolution No. 7599 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund Operating Budget, authorizing a budget appropriation in the amount of $1,854,000 for costs associated with adoption of Resolution No. 7598. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt d. Authorize payment for the Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Watershed Management Joint Powers Authority Fiscal Year 2024-25 membership cost in the amount of $141,662 and approve annual membership payments for an additional three years, including annual increases of up to 15% each year. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Authorize and Approve e. Professional Services Agreement with Trovao and Associates, Inc. DBA The Christmas Light Guy Company to provide holiday decorations for the 2024 holiday season in the amount of $45,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve f. Reject all bids received for the Baldwin Avenue Rehabilitation Improvements, Baldwin Avenue at Longden Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements, and Traffic Signal Fiber Optics Network Extensions Project, and direct staff to rebid the project. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve g. Purchase Order with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for Auditing Services related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) in an amount not to exceed $125,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve h. Purchase Order with Calgon Carbon Corporation for Carbon Exchange Services for the Live Oak Granular Activated Carbon Treatment System in the amount of $214,326. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Waive Formal Bid Process and Approve i. Accept all work performed by GRBCON Incorporated for the Valve Replacement Project as complete. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve Council Member Verlato pulled item 11.c for discussion. It was moved by Council Member Cheng, seconded by Council Member Verlato, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 11.a, 11.b, and 11.d through 11.i. 5 10-01-2024 AYES: Cheng, Verlato, Wang, Kwan, and Cao NOES: None ABSENT: None Regarding Consent Calendar item 11.c – Resolution No. 7598 establishing compensation and related benefits for City Council, Executive Management, Management, and Unrepresented Confidential Employees, and Resolution No. 7599 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund Operating Budget, authorizing a budget appropriation in the amount of $1,854,000 for costs associated with adoption of Resolution No. 7598, Council Member Verlato and Mayor Pro Tem Kwan expressed their concerns about the negative impact the adoption of those resolutions will have on the City. Council Member Cheng, Council Member Wang, and Mayor Cao all expressed sentiments of support for the resolutions. A motion was made by Council Member Cheng, seconded by Council Member Wang, and carried on a roll call vote to adopt: Resolution No. 7598 establishing compensation and related benefits for City Council, Executive Management, Management, and Unrepresented Confidential Employees for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027; and Resolution No. 7599 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund Operating Budget, authorizing a budget appropriation in the amount of $1,854,000 for costs associated with adoption of Resolution No. 7598. AYES: Cheng, Wang, and Cao NOES: Verlato, Kwan ABSENT: None City Manager Lazzaretto announced that the labor agreements, costs, and information associated with those agreements will be available on the City’s website; he assured the residents and the City Council, whether they support the agreements, that they will receive excellent service by City employees; and indicated that he has faith in the management team to be able to manage the deficit. 12. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned at 10:29 p.m. to Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room. Linda Rodriguez City Clerk