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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/2026ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Pro Tern Cheng called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. INVOCATION - Reverend Eva Thai -Erwin, Church of the Good Shepherd 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Reverend Eva Thai -Erwin, Church of the Good Shepherd 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cao, Fu, Kwan, and Cheng ABSENT: None 5. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto thanked everyone in attendance and addressed the circumstances leading to Eileen Wang's resignation; he stated that Ms. Wang's resignation was not part of the City Council's agenda this evening, noting that federal criminal matters do not fall under the authority of the City or the City Council; he explained that the City Council was not authorized to remove Ms. Wang from office; and he reminded members of the public to maintain decorum during public comment, encouraging everyone to respectfully listen to one another. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS Angela, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke about an incident involving alleged misconduct by an Arcadia Police Officer in October 2024; she expressed disappointment with Mayor Pro Tern Cheng's response to her allegation, and stated that the allegations were later substantiated at the conclusion of the investigation. She further expressed disappointment regarding the lack of support for Council Member Kwan's request to place an item on the agenda concerning Eileen Wang so residents could address the matter publicly. The following speakers appeared and expressed disappointment with the City Council's handling of matters related to Eileen Wang, citing concerns regarding transparency, public trust, and the lack of public discussion encouraging Ms. Wang to resign following Yaoning "Mike" Sun's arrest: Batman Steve Rhee Tom Beck Sonia 1 05-19-2026 Burton Brink Eli Tsou Michael Danielson Christine Yee Michael Durgerian Benny Yee Cindy Monji Stephanie Aikin Ophelia Julie Lim City Attorney Maurer provided a point of clarification regarding the City Charter's mayoral rotation process; he stated that Eileen Wang's appointment as Mayor occurred pursuant to the Charter's established procedure and was not the result of separate City Council action. Mark Bower, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed safety concerns regarding the increase in pedestrian incidents involving bicycles and e-bikes; he noted that many cities have adopted safety regulations; and he encouraged the City Council to consider implementing similar measures. Donna Choi, Executive Director of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association, appeared and stated that the Association produces and promotes its signature community events; she clarified that the Association is a separate entity from the City of Arcadia; she also stated that the Association's 2025 Annual Report has been submitted to City Manager Lazzaretto; and she announced that a community event is planned for the end of August. Feng Lam Luu appeared and shared that her business was broken into in 2020; she expressed concern regarding the recent increase in crime in the area; she referenced crime prevention measures implemented by Temple City; and she encouraged the City Council to consider similar efforts in Arcadia. Amy Moufarrege, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Board Member, appeared and announced the following upcoming events: Multi -Chamber Mix at Le Meridien on May 20; Rise & Shine at Santa Anita Park on May 21; and Networking at Noon at the Derby and Happy Hour Hop at Dave & Buster's on May 28. Domenico Tallerico, an Arcadia resident, appeared and offered suggestions to help restore public trust following Eileen Wang's resignation, including hiring an independent firm to review and verify the City's financial statements; he also expressed agreement with comments made by City Manager Lazzaretto and Mr. Beck. Cris Arzate, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated that he found the situation to be unfortunate; that it is difficult to separate facts from the emotions surrounding the issue; and he encouraged the community to come together and focus on ways to heal and move forward. Transgender Goddess appeared and expressed support for Eileen Wang, sharing moments in which Ms. Wang assisted them during a period of hardship. 2 05-19-2026 Mayor pro Tern Cheng thanked everyone for attending the meeting and acknowledged the challenges facing the community during this difficult time; he offered words of encouragement, emphasized the importance of moving forward together; and he stated that the City Council remains committed to rebuilding public trust and focusing on the work ahead for the community. Council Member Kwan thanked everyone for attending the meeting; she spoke about the current issues surrounding the City; she expressed frustration regarding the City Council's decision to censure her and the scrutiny she experienced as a result of asking difficult questions; she stated that her actions have always been guided by the best interests of the public; and she emphasized the importance of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability. Council Member Cao stated that it has been one of the greatest honors of his life to serve the nation; he stated that the serious charges against Eileen Wang would not be tolerated and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law for all; he further stated that attempts to divide the community are wrong and expressed confidence that Arcadia is resilient and will overcome the current challenges; he reaffirmed his commitment to focusing on issues most important to residents, including public safety, fiscal responsibility, quality City services, and good governance. Council Member Fu asked City Attorney Maurer whether the City Council has the authority to conduct an investigation or take action upon allegations against another Council Member, noting that some members of the public believed the City Council should have acted sooner. City Attorney Maurer explained that the City Charter addresses vacancies in office rather than investigative authority and clarified that, in this type of situation, a vacancy occurs only upon a conviction or resignation. He noted that, despite the existence of a plea agreement, no conviction has yet been entered, and reiterated that the City Council does not have the authority under the Charter to remove one of its members from office. Council Member Fu further inquired whether the City Council could remove a Council Member based solely on allegations or suspicion. City Attorney Maurer clarified that even in the event of a conviction, the City Council does not vote to remove the individual from office; rather, the office becomes vacant pursuant to the provisions of the City Charter. Council Member Fu stated that the City Council is committed to making the City a better place for the community; he indicated that he did not believe there was any basis to encourage Eileen Wang to resign; he emphasized that the priority moving forward should be for the community and City Council to work together and begin the healing process. 3 05-19-2026 The City Council recessed at 8:59 p.m. and reconvened at 9:13 p.m. 7. CITY CLERK a. Appoint the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem in accordance with Resolution No. 7463. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Make Appointments 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 continue with the rotational order established in Resolution No. 7463, appointing current Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Council Member Cheng as Mayor, and District 1 Council Member Fu as Mayor Pro Tem. AYES: Cao, Fu, and Cheng NOES: Kwan ABSENT: None b. Discussion and direction regarding the District 3 City Council vacant . CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Provide Direction City Manager Lazzaretto presented the Staff Report. After City Council discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Fu, seconded by Council Member Cao, and carried on a roll call vote to fill the District 3 vacancy by appointment pursuant to the Arcadia City Charter; the motion included the following provisions for the application and interview process: applications would be due by Friday, May 22, at 11:59 p.m.; candidate interviews would be conducted on Tuesday, May 26, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and televised; the City would issue a short application form consisting of two questions proposed by Council Member Cao; applicants must meet the same eligibility requirements applicable to City Council Members, including residency within District 3; applicants would provide an approximately two -minute statement during their interview; each Council Member would be permitted to ask two questions of each candidate; applicants would be evaluated using a 3-2-1 point system; and the appointment would fill only the unexpired term for the District 3 seat. AYES: Fu, Cao, Kwan, and Cheng NOES: None ABSENT: None Council Member Kwan stated that, based on comments made by City Attorney Maurer and Council Member Fu, she requested the City Council rescind the prior censure against her and issue an apology. 4 05-19-2026 City Attorney Maurer clarified that the action taken by the City Council was a vote to censure Council Member Kwan, not to remove her as Mayor; he further clarified that under the City Charter and California law, the City Council does not have the authority to remove a Council Member from office, and stated that this had been made clear during the censure process. At the request of Mayor Pro Tern Fu, City Attorney Maurer clarified the distinction between "censure" and "censored". Council Member Kwan stated that her understanding was that the censure action effectively removed her from serving as Mayor and requested that the action be rescinded. City Attorney Maurer noted that this topic was not agendized for discussion, that clarification had been provided, and indicated that the meeting should proceed. The oath of office was administered to Mayor Cheng and Mayor Pro Tern Fu. 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Annual Military Equipment Report per Assembly Bill No. 481 and reaffirm Ordinance No. 2387 Milita Equipment Use Policy. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve City Manager Lazzaretto presented the Staff Report. Mayor Cheng opened the public hearing. Transgender Goddess appeared and expressed opposition to the item. Batman appeared and expressed support for this item. Mayor Cheng closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Fu, seconded by Council Member Cao, and carried on a roll call vote to approve the Annual Military Equipment Report per Assembly Bill No. 481 and reaffirm Ordinance No. 2387 Military Equipment Use Policy. AYES: Fu, Cao, and Cheng NOES: Kwan ABSENT: None b. Resolution No. 7683 authorizing an amendment to the Statement of Objectives and Projects for use of Community Development Block Grant ["CDBG"] Funds for 5 05-19-2026 Fiscal Year 2025-26 to add an Americans with Disabilities Act "ADA" Curb Ram Project: and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Development Authority "LACDA" . CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt City Manager Lazzaretto presented the Staff Report. Mayor Cheng opened the public hearing. Transgender Goddess appeared and expressed support for the item. Batman appeared and expressed support for the item. Mayor Cheng closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Council Member Cao, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Fu, and carried on a roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7683, authorizing an amendment to the Statement of Objectives and Projects for use of Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") Funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to add an Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") Curb Ramp Project; and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Development Authority ("LACDA"). AYES: Cao, Fu, Kwan, and Cheng NOES: None ABSENT: None 9. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular Meeting Minutes of May 5 2026. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve b. Professional Services Agreement with Phoenix Group Information Systems for citation and parking permit processing for$83,000 annually,_ CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve c. Purchase Order with Clean Energy for the purchase of Compressed Natural Gas fuel for the Cit s fleet in an amount not to exceed $160,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve 6 05-19-2026 d. Purchase Order with 72 Hour LLC DBA National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of one 2027 Freightliner Stake Bed Truck in the amount of $225,500.12. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve e. Purchase Order with Waterline Technologies, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of Sodium Hypochlorite for the disinfection of the City's municipal water supplvliin the amount of $127,627.50. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve f. Purchase Order with ODP Business Solutions ("Office Depot") for new furniture to be used throughout the Arcadia Police Department in an amount not to exceed 519, 592. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve g. Accept all work performed by PTM General Engineering Services, Inc. for the Baldwin Avenue at Longden Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements and Traffic Signal Fiber Optics Network Extensions Project, in the amount of $528,705.38. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Fu, seconded by Council Member Cao, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 9.a through 9.g. AYES: Fu, Cao, Kwan, and Cheng NOES: None ABSENT: None 10. AB 1234 REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL (limited to legally required reports). No Council Members had anything to report. 11. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS Council Member Kwan requested City Council support to place an item on a future agenda to discuss conducting a forensic accounting audit of the City's financial records. City Manager Lazzaretto stated that the City undergoes an annual financial audit and explained the audit process. 7 05-19-2026 Mayor Pro Tern Fu inquired whether individual City Council Members have any authority over City finances. City Manager Lazzaretto clarified that any City expenditures or financial decisions involving the City Council require approval by at least three Council Members in a public meeting. Council Member Kwan inquired about the City's last forensic accounting audit. City Manager Lazzaretto stated that he was not aware of the City ever conducting a forensic accounting audit and noted that such audits are not typical. Council Member Kwan stated that, given the current circumstances, she believed a forensic accounting audit would be reasonable. Mayor Cheng asked whether there was City Council support to agendize the discussion; no support was expressed. Council Member Kwan requested City Council support to place an item on a future agenda to discuss rescinding the censure against her and issuing a public apology; the request failed to receive support from two additional Council Members. Council Member Kwan stated that comments made by City Attorney Maurer and Mayor Pro Tern Fu appeared contradictory. City Attorney Maurer clarified that no Mayor has ever been removed from the mayorship under the City Charter; and that he never indicated the censure action itself was illegal. 12. ADJOURNMENT Due to a scheduling conflict with the proposed May 26 Special Meeting, Council Member Kwan made a motion to reconsider the previously approved interview date and application deadline. Council Member Cao and Mayor Pro Tem Fu moved to approve the reconsideration. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to amend the interview date to June 2, 2026, and extend the application deadline to May 29, at 11:59 p.m. The City Council adjourned at 10:54 p.m. to Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Conference Room. 8 05-19-2026 ATTEST: City Clerk MayQp4m he City of lev ia 05-19-2026