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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08a - Regular Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2026 1 03-17-2026 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Pro Tem Cheng called the Study Session to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Pro Tem Cheng moved to excuse Mayor Wang from the meeting. The City Council concurred. PRESENT: Cao, Fu, Kwan, and Cheng ABSENT: Wang PUBLIC COMMENTS - No one appeared. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding establishing a potential Fallen Veterans Month program. City Manager Lazzaretto introduced the Study Session Item and deferred to Council Member Cao for further discussion, who had requested the topic be placed on a future agenda. Council Member Cao recommended holding an annual ceremonial event and provided ideas for the event. After discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Cao, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng, and carried on a roll call vote to establish an annual ceremonial event the Friday before the Memorial Day holiday, with additional direction to incorporate the ideas discussed into the event. AYES: Cao, Cheng, Fu, and Kwan NOES: None ABSENT: Wang The Study Session ended at 6:13 p.m. Regular Meeting City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Wang called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2 03-17-2026 2. INVOCATION – Rabbi Sholom Stiefel, Chabad of Arcadia 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Rabbi Sholom Stiefel, Chabad of Arcadia 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cao, Fu, Kwan, Cheng, and Wang 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 one item listed on the posted agenda; he noted that he was not present and turned the matter over to City Manager Lazzaretto for a report. City Manager Lazzaretto reported that the City Council met to consider establishing a Fallen Veterans Month program; he indicated that the City Council voted unanimously to hold an annual ceremonial event, beginning Friday, May 22, to honor fallen service members of the U.S. Armed Forces; and he noted for the record that Mayor Wang was excused from the Study Session. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto noted that the City Council received seven letters from neighbors regarding Public Hearing Item 8.a in support of the proposed 86-unit multi-family condominium project at 201 and 225 Colorado Place. 7. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of Mayor’s Certificate of Commendation to Jamie Shiuan for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. b. Presentation of Education and Sharing Day Proclamation to Rabbi Sholom Stiefel of Chabad of Arcadia. 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Resolution No. 7651 approving an 86-unit multi-family condominium project, including 9 affordable units, with a Density Bonus and SB 330, known as the Colorado Collection, at 201 and 225 Colorado Place. CEQA: Exempt Recommended Action: Adopt and Approve 3 03-17-2026 Planning Services Manager Graham provided the Staff Report. In response to Council Member Fu’s inquiry, Planning Services Manager Graham stated that the Residential Flex Overlay for 30 to 50 units per acre typically requires a minimum of 30 units; however, due to the unique layout of the site, a reduced density modification would be supported. Council Member Kwan commented on the number of Moderate Income units proposed; she expressed concern that the project does not include Low or Very Low Income units; and she inquired when the City will meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements for Very Low and Low Income households. Planning Services Manager Graham explained that the Residential Flex Overlay requires projects to provide affordable housing at a level sufficient to qualify for a density bonus; she stated that the Applicant meets the minimum 10% requirement by providing nine Moderate Income units; she added that the level of affordability is determined at the applicant’s discretion; and noted that other upcoming mixed-use projects are anticipated to include Very Low and Low Income units. Interim Development Services Director Flores identified some upcoming projects that will include Very Low Income units. Mayor Wang opened the Public Hearing. Matt Waken, the Applicant, appeared and thanked City staff for their support; he provided more background on the project, noting his ties to the community; he stated that the project is intended to provide housing opportunities for families; and he encouraged the City Council to approve the proposed project. Janice Savoie, Vice President of the Santa Anita Church Board, appeared and stated that she discussed potential modifications to the Conditions of Approval with the Applicant; she requested increased tree heights along the north property line, adjacent to the Church and Barnhart School, and that any neighboring trees or facilities damaged during construction be replaced; she expressed support for the project but raised concerns regarding traffic; and she inquired why a traffic study was not conducted. Council Member Kwan also expressed her concerns over potential increased traffic. Planning Services Manager Graham indicated that the proposed project meets the Vehicle Miles Traveled threshold under the California Environmental Quality Act; she explained that traffic impacts are evaluated under current standards and that future traffic conditions from the proposed project would be similar or improved compared to the property’s existing use. 4 03-17-2026 In response to Ms. Savoie’s requests, the Applicant indicated that those additional conditions would be incorporated. Mayor Wang closed the Public Hearing. After discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Cao to adopt Resolution No. 7651, finding the Project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15332 of the CEQA Guidelines as a Class 32 (Infill) exemption; and approve Multi-Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 25-12, Major Administrative Modification No. Major AM 25-10, Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 25-08 (84968), Healthy Tree Removal Permit No. TRH 25-15, Protected Tree Encroachment Permit No. TRE 25-14, and Certificate of Demolition Nos. COD 25-30 and COD 25-31 for the new Colorado Collection multi-family condominium development, subject to the proposed Conditions of Approval. Council Member Fu raised a point of order regarding how to incorporate an additional condition discussed during Public Comment. City Attorney Maurer recommended adding language to Condition No. 3 as a friendly amendment, requiring the developer to replace any neighboring trees or facilities damaged during the construction, and deferred the matter of tree height to staff. City Manager Lazzaretto recommended adding a condition to address the tree height. Interim Development Services Director Flores recommended reopening Public Comment to allow discussion with the Applicant regarding the minimum tree height. Mayor Wang reopened Public Comment to allow the applicant to respond. Peter Aduarte, the Applicant, stated that additional evergreen screening trees are proposed along the north property line, with an initial minimum height of eight feet and a mature height of at least 18 feet. City Attorney Maurer requested that staff incorporate this provision into a new Condition No. 34. Council Member Cao accepted the friendly amendment, Council Member Fu seconded, and the motion carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Cao, Fu, Kwan, Cheng, and Wang NOES: None ABSENT: None 5 03-17-2026 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS Francine Chiu, a business owner and Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Board Member, appeared and provided an update on the Chamber’s efforts to support local businesses, including the following networking events: the 2026 Membership Madness Campaign to welcome new businesses, and the Chamber’s Golf Classic on April 30 at Brookside Golf Course; and she thanked the City Council for their continued support. 10. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2026. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve b. Resolution No. 7659 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Facility Maintenance Operating Budget, authorizing a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $25,000 for the emergency generator rental at Fire Station 107, offset by a reduction in the General Fund; and approve a Change Order to the Purchase Order with Valley Power Systems, Inc. for the emergency generator rental at Fire Station 107 in the amount of $25,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt and Approve c. Approval of the 2025 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Receive and File d. Professional Services Agreement with Royal Coaches Auto Body & Towing for official police tow services for a three-year term, with the option of three one-year renewals. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve e. Professional Services Agreement with Heads in the Sky for America’s 250th Celebration drone show at Santa Anita Park, in an amount not to exceed $208,600. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve f. Professional Services Agreement with Café Fusion to provide the Senior Meals Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27 in an amount not to exceed $120,000. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve 6 03-17-2026 g. Professional Services Agreement with Southland Sports to provide Basketball Official Services for Fiscal Year 2026-27 in an amount not to exceed $51,400. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve h. Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering for Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Housing Rehabilitation Program Management and Administrative Services, adding $10,403 for Fiscal Year 2025-26. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve i. General Services Agreement renewal with the County of Los Angeles. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve j. Purchase of portable and mobile radios for the Arcadia Police Department from Motorola Solutions Inc., from the Equipment Replacement Fund, in an amount not to exceed $444,260. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve k. Purchase Order with Pacific Lift and Equipment Company Inc. for the purchase of one Rotary tire changer and one Rotary tire balancer in the amount of $35,723.23. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve l. Purchase Order with Fairfield Chevrolet & CA Police Cars for the purchase of one 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Truck in the amount of $50,904.95. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve m. Purchase Order with Westnet, LLC for the purchase and installation of fire station alerting system equipment in the amount of $379,804. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve n. Purchase Order for Dell computer workstations and laptops from Granite Data Solution Inc. in the amount of $75,000 through a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement under the California State eProcurement Program (Contract Number 1-22-70-31A). CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve 7 03-17-2026 Council Member Kwan pulled Consent Calendar Item 10.e for a separate discussion. It was moved by Council Member Cao, seconded by Council Member Fu, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 10.a through 10.d, and 10.f through 10.n. AYES: Cao, Fu, Kwan, Cheng, and Wang NOES: None ABSENT: None Council Member Kwan emphasized the importance of celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary and inquired whether the proposed amount was solely for the drone show. City Manager Lazzaretto indicated that the cost includes the drones, music accompaniment, and pyrotechnic drones; and he stated that the City Council approved a budget of up to $400,000, to be partially offset by sponsorships and ticket sales. Council Member Kwan referenced the Downtown Arcadia Improvements Association’s (“DAIA”) Patriotic Festival and inquired about the City’s contribution to last year’s drone show. Deputy City Manager Bruno stated that the City did not sponsor the drone show but provided in-kind support, including police, fire, and public works services support, and waived associated fees and permits; and she noted that the historical costs for the City to support the event are approximately $15,000 annually. Council Member Kwan expressed concern regarding the cost of the proposed event. Council Member Cao expressed support for the expenditure, citing the City’s strong fiscal position; he referenced the prior Fiscal Year’s surplus (over $4 million) and the mid-year position (approximately $800,000 surplus); and he noted that the City has historically provided both financial and in-kind support to community organizations. Council Member Fu stated that the event is within the approved budget; he expressed appreciation for the DAIA, and confidence that they would support and help promote the City’s event. In response to Council Member Fu’s inquiry, City Manager Lazzaretto confirmed that the DAIA will not be hosting the Patriotic Festival this year. Council Member Kwan stated her understanding that the DAIA canceled its event due to the City’s event; she reiterated concerns regarding the level of expenditure; and she inquired about comparable costs in other cities. 8 03-17-2026 Recreation and Community Services Director Somogyi stated that the City conducted a formal bid process for the proposed drone show, but did not reach out to other cities; she noted that the vendor’s costs are significantly higher due to the 250th Anniversary. Deputy City Manager Bruno added that costs are further impacted by the event occurring on the holiday and the increased number of drones, approximately double the amount of drones the Downtown Association had at the last Patriotic Festival. In response to Council Member Kwan’s inquiry, Deputy City Manager Bruno stated that the drone show will last approximately 12 to15 minutes and include custom designs. Council Member Kwan noted that the DAIA previously hosted a similar drone show at a lower cost and reiterated the need for fiscal caution. In response to Mayor Wang’s inquiries, Recreation and Community Services Director Somogyi clarified that the Downtown’s Patriotic Festival is always held the Saturday prior to the July Fourth holiday, which was June 28, 2025, last year. Mayor Wang expressed her support for the event and indicated that she did not see a conflict between the City’s event and a potential DAIA event. After discussion a motion was made by Council Member Cao, seconded by Council Member Fu, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 10.e - Professional Services Agreement with Heads in the Sky for America’s 250th Celebration drone show at Santa Anita Park, in an amount not to exceed $208,600. AYES: Cao, Fu, Cheng, and Wang NOES: Kwan ABSENT: None 11. CITY MANAGER a. Resolution No. 7676 opposing the Essential Services Restoration Act, Los Angeles County General Sales Tax Measure, and authorize a letter to oppose Assembly Bill No. 1768. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt and Approve Deputy City Manager Bruno provided the Staff Report. City Manager Lazzaretto added that California already has the highest sales tax rates in the nation, and Los Angeles County has the highest sales tax in California, creating concerns for regional competitiveness. 9 03-17-2026 After 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. 7676 opposing the Essential Services Restoration Act, Los Angeles County General Sales Tax Measure, and authorize a letter to oppose Assembly Bill No. 1768. AYES: Cao, Fu, Kwan, Cheng, and Wang NOES: None ABSENT: None 12. AB 1234 REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL (limited to legally required reports). Council Member Cao had nothing to report. Council Member Fu announced that he attended a retirement party hosted by the Arcadia Firefighters Association. Council Member Kwan had nothing to report. Mayor Pro Tem Cheng had nothing to report. Mayor Wang had nothing to support. 13. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS No items were requested. 14. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned at 8:35 p.m. to Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Conference Room. Linda Rodriguez City Clerk