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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/18/2025ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Kwan called the Study Session to order at 6:01 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cao, Cheng, Fu, Wang, and Kwan ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS - No one appeared. Citty Attorney Maurer publicly announced the facts and circumstances of the Closed Session and indicated the matter was a confidential personnel matter. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding the policies and procedures for youth program safety. The Study Session ended at 6:07 p.m. No reportable action was taken. CLOSED SESSION a. Confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) The Closed Session ended at 6:55 p.m. No reportable action was taken. Regular Meeting City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Kwan called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 2. INVOCATION - Terrence Shay, Arcadia Police Department Chaplain 1 11-18-2025 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cub Scout Pack 122 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cao, Cheng, Fu, Wang, and Kwan 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 Study Session and Closed Session to discuss the items posted on the agenda; he noted that no action was taken on the Study Session as it was strictly to receive information regarding staff procedures; and he further noted that there was no reportable action on the Closed Session item. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto noted that an email was received earlier today from Stephen Parise, objecting to the development under Public Hearing Item 8.a. 7. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of Mayor's Certificate of Commendation to Christine Martinez for serving as Arcadia's first female Building Inspector, 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Resolution No. 7661 related to the Alexan Arroyo Mixed -use Development and Density Bonus, comprised of 359 residential units, including 35 very low affordable units and nine (9) live/work units at 325 N. Santa Anita Avenue. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Adopt Building Official Fields and Senior Planner Chipres presented the Staff Report. In response to Council Member Cao's questions regarding public outreach to nearby residents, the number of parking spaces, and the height limit, Senior Planner Chipres explained that outreach included a 500-ft radius, along with additional notices sent to homes in the garden area. She further explained that the applicant was providing a total of 454 parking spots, which was 274 more than what is legally required. Deputy Development Services Director Flores noted that the City's maximum building height is 60 feet, and further noted that the height is dependent on the number of affordable housing units; and Assistant 2 11-18-2025 City Manager/Development Services Director Kruckeberg concurred and indicated that the Developer could technically build higher than the 90 feet they are proposing, based on the number of affordable units they are providing In response to Council Member Fu's question on the range for "very low-income" housing, City Manager Lazzaretto clarified that affordability is determined based on the Area Median Income and family size. He later clarified that the very low-income threshold is $48,550 for a household size of 1 and $69,350 for a household size of 4. Reece Pettersen, the Applicant, appeared and presented Trammel Crow's development proposal. In response to Council Member Cao's inquiry, Mr. Pettersen stated that Trammel Crow strives to build high -end, quality projects that will bring high -earners to the City and contribute to the local economy. Council Member Fu thanked the Developer for undertaking this project. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Wang's questions, Mr. Pettersen noted that there are 3 levels of parking and that the project is built based on expected demand, which is why they added more parking than what is required. He further explained that live -work units are proposed on Rolyn Place because that space is not a main commercial corridor and that business incubators would be a better fit; he further noted that the live -work units will not have dedicated security but the entire building will have security cameras and monitoring, in addition to on -site employees. In response to City Manager Lazzaretto, Mr. Pettersen clarified that the height of the building closest to the residences would be about 65-70 ft. In response to Mayor Kwan's questions, Mr. Pettersen noted that all the affordable units are studios based on the concessions available for this project; that this development typically attracts young professionals and retirees who do not want property maintenance obligations; he noted that the affordability covenant will be in place for 55 years; he further noted that there will be a designated pick-up and drop-off location in the parking structure to avoid any street traffic hazards; and that the live -work units have conditions and do not allow manufacturing or restaurant/cooking. Mayor Kwan opened the Public Hearing. Michael Guidolin, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his opposition to this project; and requested the height be lowered to 60 feet. 3 11-18-2025 Loise Merritt, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her opposition to this project; and she thanked the City for improving Newcastle park. Derek Michaelis, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his opposition to this project, providing materials to the City Council that support his position. Ken Matsuura, an Arcadia resident, appeared and indicated that he is opposed to the proposed development. Stephen Parise, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his opposition to the proposed project. Matt Luchetta, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his opposition to the proposed project. Alyse Michaelis, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her opposition to the proposed project. Mayor Kwan invited the applicant to respond to any of the questions or concerns raised by the various speakers. In response to the public comments, Mr. Pettersen explained that if the parking was moved underground, it would result in a loss of units. He noted that there are studies that show this type of project does not decrease the property values of the surrounding neighborhood. Mayor Kwan closed the Public Hearing. After City Council discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Cao, seconded by Council Member Fu, and carried on a roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7661, find the project statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to AB 130 and approve Minor Use Permit No. MUP 23-10, Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 23- 04, Site Plan and Design Review No. ADR 23-12, Certificate of Demolition No. COD 23-32, and Healthy Protected Tree Permit No. TRH 25-13 for the new Alexan Arroyo mixed -use development, subject to the proposed Conditions of Approval. AYES: Cao, Fu and, Cheng NOES: Wang and Kwan ABSENT: None b. Adoption of the California Building and California Fire Codes. Ordinance No. 2408 amending Article VIII of the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to Building Regulations; and adopting by reference the 2025 Edition of the 4 11-18-2025 California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2, and Appendix J, the 2025 California Residential Code, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, the 2025 California Plumbing Code, the 2025 California Electrical Code, the 2025 California Mechanical Code, the 2025 California Existing Buildings Code, the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (1997 Edition), and the Los Angeles County Grading Code with additions, amendments, and deletions. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance No. 2409 amending Article III of the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to Fire Regulations; and adopting by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code in its entirety, including Appendices, Chapter 4, B, C, D, K, and P based on the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code published by the International Code Council, and the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code in its entirety, including Appendix A, based on the 2024 Edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code published by the International Code Council; together with certain additions, insertions, deletions and changes thereto. CEQA: Not A Project Recommended Action: Adopt Plans Examiner Doudar presented the Staff Report. Mayor Kwan opened the Public Hearing - no one appeared. Mayor Kwan closed the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Council Member Fu, seconded by Council Member Cao, and carried on a roll call vote to Adopt the necessary findings, find the action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), and adopt Ordinance No. 2408 amending Article VIII of the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to Building Regulations; and adopting by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2, and Appendix J, the 2025 California Residential Code, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, the 2025 California Plumbing Code, the 2025 California Electrical Code, the 2025 California Mechanical Code, the 2025 California Existing Buildings Code, the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (1997 Edition), and the Los Angeles County Grading Code with additions, amendments, and deletions; and Adopt the necessary findings, find the action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), and adopt Ordinance No. 2409 amending Article III of the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to Fire Regulations; and adopting by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code in its entirety, including Appendices, Chapter 4, B, C, D, K, and P based on the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code published by the International Code Council, and the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code in its entirety, including 5 11-18-2025 Appendix A, based on the 2024 Edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code published by the International Code Council; together with certain additions, insertions, deletions and changes thereto. AYES: Fu, Cao, Cheng, Wang, and Kwan NOES: None ABSENT: None Due to the late hour, it was the consensus of the City Council that Public Comment be moved to this portion of the Agenda. 9. PUBLIC COMMENT Streekar Raja, Arcadia resident and high school student, appeared and spoke about Diwali, sharing how Diwali is celebrated. Siri Raja, Arcadia resident and high school student, appeared and asked City Council to recognize October as Hindu Heritage month. Parnik Gurram, Arcadia resident and high school student, appeared and announced that California recently passed AB 269 which makes Diwali an official holiday in California. Tracy Wilke, Arcadia resident and Arcadia Chamber of Commerce representative, appeared and announced the following upcoming events: Connect & Prosper on November 19; Rise & Shine on November 20; Happy Hour Hop on November 20; the 72nd Annual Festival of Bands on November 22; Hope House Toy Drive on November 23; Kensington's Holiday Pie Pick-up on November 25; and Enchant at Santa Anita Park, the largest Christmas light maze from November 21 - November 28. April Verlato, former Arcadia Mayor and resident, appeared and commended Mayor Kwan for representing the City at multiple events; and she thanked her for her generous donation to renovate the Arcadia Woman's Club. The City Council recessed at 9:39 p.m. and reconvened at 9:45 p.m. 8. PUBLIC HEARING c. Resolution No. 7662 ordering the vacation of a portion of the east -west alle between 117-129 East Huntin-2ton Drive and 124-134 Wheeler Avenue, and reserving a public access and airs ace easement over it. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Adopt 6 11-18-2025 City Engineer Merrill presented the Staff Report. Mayor Kwan opened the Public Hearing Burke Farrar, Applicant of Odyssey Development, appeared and indicated that they are available to answer any questions. Mayor Kwan closed the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Council Member Cao, seconded by Council Member Fu, and carried on a roll call vote to find the project Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"); and adopt Resolution No. 7662 ordering the vacation of a portion of the east -west alley between 117-129 East Huntington Drive and 124-134 Wheeler Avenue, and reserve a public access and air space easement over it. AYES: Cao, Fu, Cheng, Wang, and Kwan NOES: None ABSENT: None 10. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular Meeting Minutes of November 4. 2025. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve b. Resolution No. 7660 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget, authorizing a supplemental budget appropriation for the Debris Basins Debris Removal Project in the amount of $302 828.63, offset by a reduction in the Capital OutlayFund: and approve a contract with Horizons Construction Co. Int'l Inc. for the Debris Basins Debris Removal Project in the amount of $302,828.63. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve c. Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with SDI Presence LLC. to provide EnerGov and Geographic Information Systems ("GIS") consulting and related technical assistance, in the amount of $126,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve d. Memorandum of Agreement with San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to receive Measure A funds for City homeless programs. CEQA: Not a Project 7 11-18-2025 Recommended Action: Accept e. Purchase Order with Flock Safety Group Inc. for the purchase of Automated License Plate Reader ("ALPR") camera subscription for 43 ALPR cameras in an amount not to exceed $129,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve f. Purchase Order with Amazon Business for books and materials in the amount of 50 000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve g. Change Order to increase the Purchase Order with Ingram for library materials in the amount of $54,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve h. Final Vesting Tract Map No. 82734 to consolidate 10 legal lots, re -subdivide the property into six (6) legal lots, including one comprehensive ground lot and five 5 airspace lots for residential units commercial units and public parking at 117- 129 E. Huntington Drive and 124-134 Wheeler Avenue the "Hunting -ton Plaza" Project . CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve Mayor Kwan pulled item 10.b for separate discussion. Regarding Consent Calendar Item 10.b, Mayor Kwan inquired where the project's funding is coming from and why this project is necessary right now. City Manager Lazzaretto explained that the request for funding is from the Capital Outlay Fund and this would be a capital improvement, as the storm drain basins have a long lifecycle and indicated that the debris basins became full during the fires and windstorm in January. He further explained that the debris basins were cleaned following those storms and just recently had to be cleaned out again due to the recent rainstorms; and he noted that there is sufficient funding in the Capital Outlay Fund to fund this project. Public Works Services Director Cranmer explained there may be possible reimbursement from FEMA for this project. 8 11-18-2025 Mayor Kwan further inquired if this project was included in the Capital Improvement Program Budget adopted in June 2025, and she inquired if this was a supplemental appropriation. Public Works Services Director Cranmer explained that the City had not anticipated or budgeted for this project; however, after the recent storms it has become crucial, as the catch debris basins have overflowed causing mud flow. Mayor Kwan inquired about the current balance of the City's Capital Outlay Fund. City Manager Lazzaretto stated that the Capital Improvement Fund had just under six million in it as of the FY 2025-26 Budget Study Session. Mayor Kwan noted that this is an urgent matter as there are several properties that are severely impacted. It was moved by Council Member Fu, seconded by Council Member Cao, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 10.a through 10.h. AYES: Fu, Cao, Cheng, Wang, and Kwan NOES: None ABSENT: None 11. AB 1234 REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL (limited to legallyrequired reports). Council Member Fu had nothing to report. Council Member.Cao had nothing to report. Council Member Cheng attended the Arcadia Woman's Club and Arcadia Historical Society Fundraising Event. Mayor Pro Tern Wang attended the Arcadia Woman's Club and Arcadia Historical Society Fundraising Event; and she attended the Asian American Talent Foundation Gala. Mayor Kwan attended the Duarte Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at the City of Hope. 12. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS Mayor Kwan requested the City Council honor and recognize the newly crowned Rose Queen and Arcadia High School student for her remarkable achievement. 9 11-18-2025 City Manager Lazzaretto noted that the Rose Court presentation is typically scheduled for January or February and that staff will coordinate the arrangements. 13. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned at 10:12 p.m. to Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Conference Room. Mayor of the City of Arcadia ATTEST: City Clerk 10 11-18-2025