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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08a - Regular Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2026 1 10-06-2026 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Cheng called the Study Session to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cao, Han, Kwan, Fu, and Cheng ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Crouch participated remotely and expressed concerns regarding the proposed removal of 34 native oak trees at Santa Anita Park; and he emphasized their environmental value and the significant amount of time required to replace their ecological benefits. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding the community honorary wall. Library and Museum Services Director Alba provided a PowerPoint presentation. After discussion, the City Council directed staff to incorporate their recommendations into a proposed Honorary Wall Policy and bring back the policy for consideration at a future meeting. The Study Session ended at 6:47 p.m. Regular Meeting City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Cheng called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 2. INVOCATION - Reverend John Scholte, Journey Community Church 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Reverend John Scholte, Journey Community Church 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cao, Han, Kwan, Fu, and Cheng ABSENT: None 2 10-06-2026 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 review and discuss the proposed Community Honorary Wall; he indicated that no formal action was taken and that City Staff was directed to bring back an Honorary Wall Policy for consideration at a future meeting. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto requested that Consent Calendar 9.l, Contract with West Coast Arborists, Inc. for annual tree trimming services, tree removal, and replacement in the amount of $451,547, be pulled from the agenda due to the number of public comment emails received, and to allow City Staff additional time to review available options. 7. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of an adoptable dog by Michelle McGraw of the Pasadena Humane Society. b. Presentation of the 2026 Fire Prevention Week Proclamation and the theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.” c. Presentation of Mayor’s Certificate of Commendation to Jonathan Ung of Monarch Donuts for his years of service to the community. d. Presentation of Mayor’s Certificate of Commendation to the Wong Family in appreciation for their years of ownership and operation of the Moon Palace restaurant in Arcadia. 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS The following speakers appeared and expressed their opposition to the proposed removal of 34 protected Oak trees at Santa Anita Park for the LA28 Games equestrian cross-country course: Suzanne Lukather Anne Cleary Mia Davidson Deborah Cadd Arman Ahmed In response to the public comments on the proposed removal of 34 oak trees at Santa Anita Park for the LA28 Games, City Manager Lazzaretto stated that updated information and documents are available on the City’s website or may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office. 3 10-06-2026 Sabrina Chang participated remotely and expressed frustration over political accusations as Election Day approaches; she stated that the federal charges against former Mayor Eileen Wang predated her election to the City Council; and she noted that City Manager Lazzaretto had clarified that no City staff or financial resources were involved. Alpha Biz participated remotely and expressed concerns regarding political mailers circulated in District 5 that attempted to associate Council Member Cao with the actions of former Mayor Eileen Wang; and he referenced City Manager Lazzaretto’s confirmation that no City staff or resources were involved. Amanda Darion participated remotely and commented on Steve Rhee’s candidacy for District 5 after previously running for District 4 in 2024; she expressed concerns regarding Mr. Rhee seeking office in different districts; and she stated that candidates should demonstrate a commitment to serving in the district they seek to represent. Lesley Fu, participated remotely and commented on Steve Rhee’s candidacy for District 5 after previously running for District 4 in 2024; and she questioned his commitment to District 5. Peter Amundson, former Arcadia Mayor and resident, appeared and spoke about the City’s governance during his tenure on the City Council; he expressed concerns regarding the City’s current leadership, political influences, and governance; and he emphasized the importance of electing Council Members who prioritize the interests of the community. Steven Dai, Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked the City Council and City Staff for their efforts to keep the community safe; he expressed concerns regarding political mailers and negative statements directed toward City Council Members and City staff; and he encouraged residents to contact City staff or City Council Members directly to address their concerns rather than engage in negative political rhetoric. Terry Noriega, Arcadia resident and owner of Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., appeared and expressed concerns regarding the City’s use of a piggyback contract for tree trimming services rather than a competitive bidding process; he thanked the City for pulling the item from consideration and urged the City Council to pursue a competitive bidding process. Dom Tallerico, Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed concerns regarding an alleged lack of transparency in City operations; he requested that the City Council conduct a forensic audit; and provided his reasons for the request. Grace Lee, Arcadia resident and District 3 Candidate, appeared and spoke about the positive change she would bring to the City. Burton Brink, Arcadia resident and District 2 Candidate, appeared and spoke about the importance of effective governance, public safety, and fiscal responsibility; he emphasized 4 10-06-2026 the need for effective leadership during challenging times; and he shared his reasons for seeking election to the City Council. 9. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2026. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve b. Resolution No. 7714 approving and adopting an amended Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt c. Cancellation of the November 3, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve d. Authorize payment to the Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Watershed Management Joint Powers Authority for Arcadia’s cost share of the fifth amendment to the current Watershed Management Program agreement with Craftwater Engineering, Inc. for multi-benefit stormwater project concept reports in the amount of $64,824.02. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve e. Professional Services Agreement with Baker Tilly for a Total Compensation Study in the amount of $54,400, with an additional $15,600 for contingency work arising out of the survey process. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve f. Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering for the 2026 Engineering and Traffic Survey in the amount of $39,800. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve g. Professional Services Agreement with JL Group for confidential employment matters in an amount not to exceed $46,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve h. Professional Services Agreement with SDI Presence Inc. for Information Technology Support Services. 5 10-06-2026 CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve i. Contract with GRBCON, Inc. for the Sewer Main Replacement Program in the amount of $1,054,543, with a 10% contingency. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve j. Contract with ILB Electric for the Traffic Signal Upgrades and Fiber Network Extensions Project in the amount of $709,478, with a 10% contingency. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Approve k. Contract with South West Pump & Drilling, Inc. for the Goldring Well Drilling Project in the amount of $2,274,647, with a 10% contingency. CEQA: Mitigated Negative Declaration/Notice of Determination Filed Recommended Action: Approve l. Contract with West Coast Arborists, Inc. for annual tree trimming services, tree removal, and replacement in the amount of $451,547. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve m. Purchase 2,469.99 acre-feet of Imported Cyclic Storage Water from the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster in the amount of $2,684,879.13. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve n. Contract with UKG Kronos Systems, LLC for UKG Telestaff Cloud Based Staffing program for a three-year term, with the option to renew for three one-year extensions. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve o. Change Order to increase the Purchase Order with Amazon Business to $250,000 and approve a new Purchase Order in the amount of $250,000 annually, with the option to renew for three (3) additional years. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve Council Member Cao requested that Consent Calendar Item 9.e, Professional Services Agreement with Baker Tilly for a Total Compensation Study in the amount of $54,400, with an additional $15,600 for contingency work arising out of the survey process, be pulled for separate discussion. 6 10-06-2026 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Fu, seconded by Council Member Cao, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 9.a through 9.d, 9.f through 9.k, and 9.m through 9.o. AYES: Fu, Cao, Han, Kwan, and Cheng NOES: None ABSENT: None Council Member Cao requested that City Manager Lazzaretto explain the purpose of conducting a total compensation study. City Manager Lazzaretto explained that a total compensation study is typically conducted to gather market information and assess an organization’s competitive position relative to other employers; he stated that the study provides valuable data to assist the City in evaluating its compensation practices and making informed decisions regarding employee recruitment and retention; and he indicated that the City hires a third-party to conduct the compensation study. In response to Council Member Cao’s inquiries, City Manager Lazzaretto further explained that the City also utilizes a total compensation study to assist with labor negotiations; and he confirmed that there were no current Police Officer or Firefighter vacancies. He further explained that compensation studies reflect data at a specific point in time and that comparisons with previous studies may not be meaningful due to ongoing labor negotiations and changing market conditions. Council Member Kwan raised a point of order, and City Attorney Maurer requested that the discussion remain focused on the compensation study. In response to Council Member Kwan’s inquiry regarding when the vacancies were filled, City Manager Lazzaretto stated that the Firefighter position had been fully staffed for approximately six months and that he would provide information regarding when the Police Officer vacancy was filled in the City Manager’s Weekly Report. Mayor Pro Tem Fu also raised a point of order, and City Attorney Maurer reiterated that the discussion should remain focused on the compensation study. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Fu, seconded by Council Member Cao, and carried on a roll call vote to approve item 9.e Professional Services Agreement with Baker Tilly for a Total Compensation Study in the amount of $54,400, with an additional $15,600 for contingency work arising out of the survey process. AYES: Fu, Cao, Han, Kwan, and Cheng NOES: None ABSENT: None 7 10-06-2026 10. CITY MANAGER a. Report from independent legal counsel regarding internal controls for City Council check requests. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Receive and File City Attorney Maurer presented the Staff Report. After City Council discussion, the report was received and filed by the City Council. b. Resolution No. 7713 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 Fire Marshal Krikorian and Fire Chief Suen presented the Staff Report. After discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Fu requested City Council support to place an item on a future agenda to bring back a report on Target Hazards (difficult structure to defend in fire situations). Council Members Cao and Han concurred. A motion was made by Council Member Cao, seconded by Council Member Han, and carried on a roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7713 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. AYES: Cao, Han, Kwan, Fu, and Cheng NOES: None ABSENT: None 11. AB 1234 REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL (limited to legally required reports). Council Member Cao reported that on September 23, he attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference. Council Member Han reported that on September 23, he attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference. Mayor Cheng reported that on October 3, he attended the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation Crystal Ball. 8 10-06-2026 Council Member Kwan had nothing to report. Mayor Pro Tem Fu had nothing to report. 12. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS Council Member Kwan requested City Council support to place an item on a future agenda to discuss the ongoing streetlight outage. Mayor Pro Tem Fu and Council Member Han concurred. Mayor Pro Tem Fu reported ongoing telephone service interruptions affecting approximately 800 Frontier customers in the Oakdale Drive hillside area of District 1 for the past six months; he requested that City staff investigate the matter and explore options to address the service disruptions with Frontier. Council Members Cao and Han concurred. Council Member Kwan requested City Council support to place an item on a future agenda to discuss former Mayor Eileen Wang’s vote on a labor contract from 2024, specifically her initial opposition and subsequent change in position shortly after. City Attorney Maurer explained that City Council Member’s votes are protected under deliberative process privilege; he stated that there is no established mechanism to question an individual Council Member’s vote, indicating that such discussion would not be appropriate. As such, sufficient support was not received for Council Member Kwan’s future agenda item request. 13. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned in memory of David Freeman, long-time Arcadia resident, at 10:01p.m. to Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Linda Rodriguez City Clerk