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CC - Item 5B - Minutes of July 8, 2025MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JULY 8, 2025 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Clark at 7:00 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tern Armenta, and Council Member Dang ABSENT: Council Member Low and Ly (on Military Leave) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Dang INVOCATION was led by Mayor Clark 1. PUBLIC COMMENT -None 2. PRESENTATIONS A. Proclamation Declaring August 8, 2025, as "National Night Out" in the City of Rosemead Public Safety Supervisor Wong announced that the City of Rosemead will host the 42°d Annual National Night Out in conjunction with the "Concerts in the Park" series. The event will feature safety and wellness resources, recreational activities, family - friendly entertainment, live music, and raffles, including a "bike for bike" raffle for children. A complimentary barbecue will be offered, with hot dogs generously donated by Republic Services. In addition, the 1 lt" Annual Back -to -School Resource Fair and Backpack Giveaway will be held during the event. A total of 500 backpacks with school supplies will be distributed through partnerships with local businesses, vendors, residents, and volunteers. Mrs. Wong acknowledged Republic Services, Transtech for the food and raffle donations and Church of God of Prophecy for cooking at the event. In addition, thanked the Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and Public Safety Departments for the event coordination and support. Lastly, she thanked the Backpack Committee members: James Berry, Chin Lin, Bernadette Galindo, Jeanette Vicario, Kathy Camacho, Ray Jan, Tobias Sebastian, and Chairperson Sandra Armenta for their continued commitment. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta stated that eleven years ago, the idea was introduced when she was a classroom teacher who saw firsthand the negative effects on students who lacked essential school supplies. The concept was brought forward, and through the dedication and coordination of Ms. Mandy Wong, the program has grown into an annual community tradition. She added that Ms. Wong has been instrumental in coordinating with vendors and local school districts, who provide names of children Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 AGENDA ITEM 5.11 Page 1 of 11 most in need. Letters are distributed to identified families in English, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Spanish. Families unable to attend may contact Ms. Wong to make alternate arrangements. If backpacks remain unclaimed, they are distributed on National Night Out to other students present. The program has adapted over the years, including the use of virtual coordination during COVID-19, and continues to thrive due to strong committee collaboration. Mrs. Armenta acknowledged Committee members: Jeanette, Bernie, Ray, and others who actively participate. In addition, she thanked the donors: Burke, Williams, and Sorensen LLP, City Attorney's Office; Friendly Inn; Four Seasons Landscaping; Garvey Education Foundation; Kiwanis Club of Rosemead; Max Power Technology Inc.; Transtech Engineering; Panda Restaurant Group; Republic Services; Peter Ta; 420 Boiled Street LLC; Rosemead Education Foundation; and West Coast Arborists, Inc. Mayor Clark stated that she encouraged all Rosemead residents to take an active role in the fight against crime by supporting and participating in the Neighborhood Watch and Community Area Watch programs. These efforts are a vital part of keeping our City safe. She commended Ms. Wong for her leadership in emergency preparedness. With so many tragedies we see daily such as flooding and other disasters, it is critical for residents to be prepared with essentials like medications, flashlights, and emergency contact information. Ms. Wong continually reminds us of the importance of being ready, and I encourage everyone to follow her example and involve your neighbors as well. Preparation is key, because we never know when an emergency may occur. B. Proclamation Declaring the Month of July 2025 as "Parks Make Life Better Month" in the City of Rosemead Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking announced that July is "Parks Make Life Better" Month, highlighting the Parks and Recreation Department's role in making Rosemead a great place to live, work, and play. The Department provides quality programs, services, special events, and safe parks and facilities for community use, working in close collaboration with the Public Works Department. The proclamation emphasized that these efforts are only possible through the collective support of the City Council, city staff, volunteers, and residents. Parks not only provide open space and recreation opportunities but also represent the community spirit and enrichment that takes place daily through city programs and events. Mr. Boecking acknowledged the Parks and Recreation team for their dedication and service: Recreation Supervisors: Tam Chu, Jacqueline Guerrero, and Roman Rodriguez. Recreation Coordinators: Bernadette Galindo, Serena Guerrero, and Jeanette Vicario. Mayor Clark expressed passion for parks as a way to encourage children to spend less time on video games and more time outdoors. She noted concerns about the long- term impact of excessive screen time on children's development. She expressed Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 2 of 11 appreciation for the City's efforts to provide parks and activities that gave kids opportunities to play and connect with nature. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta acknowledged the positive impact of the Parks and Recreation Department, noting personal experience beginning as a recreation participant, later serving as a recreation leader and interim recreation supervisor in the City. The skills and opportunities gained through involvement in Parks and Recreation were identified as a key reason for her current service on the dais. She emphasized the importance of programs and activities that encourage youth to be active and engaged, highlighting the value of providing alternatives to excessive screen time. Council Member Dang added remarks in support of the proclamation recognizing "Parks Make Life Better" Month. He noted the importance of parks in providing green space, opportunities to decompress, and a place of escape from daily routines. He also noted that park space serves as an essential oasis, underscoring the value of maintaining and protecting these areas for the community. Mr. Dang commended Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking for his skill set and great leadership. 3. PUBLIC HEARING A. Public Hearing on Application for Design Review 24-02, Tentative Tract Map 84327, and Density Bonus Application 25-01 — 7741-7745 Hellman Avenue Chaplon Mu submitted entitlement applications for the development of a ten small lot subdivision. The project also includes a Density Bonus application pursuant to California Government Code §65915 (State Density Bonus Law), which permits density bonuses up to 50% for a total of 15 dwelling units, two of which would be deed -restricted affordable units for very low-income households. The subject site is located.at 7741-7745 Hellman Avenue (APN: 5286-036-016 and 5286-036-017) in the Medium Multiple Residential (R-3) zone. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Conduct a public hearing and receive public testimony; 2. Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-29, entitled; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 24-02, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 84327, AND DENSITY BONUS APPLICATION 25-01 FOR THE CREATION OF TEN (10) SMALL LOTS. THE DENSITY BONUS IS PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §65915 (STATE DENSITY BONUS LAW), WHICH PERMITS DENSITY BONUSES UP TO 50% FOR A TOTAL OF 15 DWELLING UNITS, TWO OF WHICH WOULD BE DEED -RESTRICTED Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 3 of 11 AFFORDABLE UNITS FOR VERY LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS. THE SUBJECT SITE IS LOCATED AT 7741-7745 HELLMAN AVE (APN: 5286-036-016), IN THE MEDIUM MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL (R-3) ZONE 3. Approve the Density Bonus Application with the three requested concessions and one waiver/reduction and direct City staff to execute and record the Affordable Housing Agreement; and 4. Determine that Design Review 24-02, Tentative Tract Map 84327, and Density Bonus Application 25-01 are exempt pursuant to Class 32, Section 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. Associate Planner Lao presented a report regarding entitlement applications submitted by Mr. Chaplain Mu for the development of a 10-lot small subdivision. The project includes a density bonus application pursuant to State Density Bonus Law, permitting up to a 50% increase in density for a total of 15 dwelling units. Two of these units will be deed -restricted affordable housing for very low-income households. As part of the density bonus application, the applicant is requesting three concessions and one waiver/reduction. Project details include: Ten small lots developed with four-story structures, each with a three -car garage at ground level. Five lots developed as vertically stacked duplexes; five lots developed as single-family dwellings. Six floor plan variations ranging from 631 sq. ft. to 1,446 sq. ft. Design inspired by mid-century modern architecture, incorporating recessed windows, composite wood siding, and large glass balconies. Site improvements include landscaping, lighting, fencing, perimeter walls, and a rear trash enclosure. Staff noted receipt of a public comment from the California Housing Defense Fund in support of the project, recognizing the inclusion of two very low-income affordable units as a positive step toward addressing housing needs. Based on the analysis contained in the staff report, it is recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing and receive public testimony; adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-29; approve the density bonus application, including three concessions and one waiver/reduction, and direct staff to execute and record the Affordable Housing Agreement; and determine that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Class 32, Section 15332. Mayor Clark opened the public hearing for comment. There being no comments, closed the public hearing. Council Member Dang expressed appreciation to the ownership and design team for their work on this challenging infill project. He noted the difficulty of designing an infill project on a neighborhood site. The achievement of a modern architectural style, including design features such as rounded corners, which added complexity and cost but resulted in a sleek, contemporary appearance. He expressed support for the small lot subdivision concept, noting that it promotes homeownership rather than rental Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 4 of 11 housing, aligning with his longstanding advocacy for small lot development. Lastly, recognized that small lot subdivisions incur higher costs than traditional single -unit construction due to requirements such as seismic gaps and overlapping trades, yet the owner and design team successfully delivered a quality project for the community. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta expressed appreciation to the project designers and team for including two affordable housing units in the proposed development. She referenced a previous development near the mayor's residence in which a request for even one affordable unit was denied, noting that many state -level affordable housing bills offer incentives but do not require developers to include affordable units. Mrs. Armenta emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for Rosemead residents who grew up in the City and wish to return but may not be able to afford market -rate housing. The inclusion of these two affordable units was recognized as a positive step toward increasing attainable housing and as an example that may encourage additional projects to incorporate affordable housing in the future. Mayor Clark stated she reviewed the Planning Commission minutes and raised a question regarding Vice Chair Ung's concerns about the shared stairwells in the stacked -unit design. Vice Chair Ung noted that while the design assumes each unit would be occupied by a single family, leaving doors between units open could compromise the fire -rated walls. Mrs. Clark asked whether it would be possible to require or recommend self -closing doors to enhance fire safety, noting that closed doors can help prevent the spread of fire. Council Member Dang explained that doors at stairwells are required by the building and fire codes to have self -closing mechanisms at the top hinge, ensuring they remain closed. These safety measures are already mandated and enforced by the applicable agencies. Mayor Clark referenced the Planning Commission minutes noting a resident's concern regarding traffic and parking congestion in a high -density apartment area. In addition, Vice Chair Ung acknowledged the resident, Mr. Godoy's, concerns and suggested the City consider implementing permitted street parking to ensure vehicles in the neighborhood belong to residents. Mrs. Clark also expressed support for the idea and recommended that staff evaluate the situation to determine if parking restrictions are necessary, noting that this concept has been discussed previously. City Manager Kim stated that the topic of permitted parking had been discussed at previous Council meetings but was placed on hold. The discussion will resume when a full City Council is present, as it will affect city-wide. ACTION: Move by Council Member Dang, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Armenta to approved staff recommendations: 1. Conduct a public hearing and receive public testimony; 2. Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-29, Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 5 of 11 3. Approve the Density Bonus Application with the three requested concessions and one waiver/reduction and direct City staff to execute and record the Affordable Housing Agreement; and 4. Determine that Design Review 24-02, Tentative Tract Map 84327, and Density Bonus Application 25-01 are exempt pursuant to Class 32, Section 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. Motion was carried out by the following votes: AYES: Armenta, Clark, and Dang; NOES: None; ABSENT: Low and Ly 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Clark asked if Item 4F - Investment Grade Audit Agreement with Schneider Electric Buildings Americas, Inc. included Traffic Signal Synchronization services? Director of Public Works Gutierrez explained it does not include Traffic Signal Synchronization services, but it does include switching out of existing signals to LED lighting, which is more efficient. In addition, there are three other projects that are focused on synchronization. ACTION: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, seconded by Council Member Dang to approve Consent Calendar Items A — J. Motion was carried out by the following votes: AYES: Armenta, Clark, and Dang; NOES: None; ABSENT: Low and Ly A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2025-35 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,873,767.83 CHECKS NUMBERED 119438 THROUGH NUMBER 119550, DRAFTS NUMBERED 8177 THROUGH NUMBER 8195 AND EFT NUMBERED 53346 THROUGH NUMBER 53366 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-35. • Resolution No. 2025-37 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $2,060,746.98 CHECKS NUMBERED 119551 THROUGH NUMBER 119675, DRAFTS NUMBERED 8196 THROUGH NUMBER 8215 AND EFT NUMBERED 53367 THROUGH NUMBER 53420 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-37. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 6 of 11 B. Consideration to Cancel the July 22, 2025 City Council Meeting The City Council will consider the cancellation of its regularly scheduled meeting of July 22, 2025, due to a projected lack of quorum. Should the July 22, 2025 meeting be cancelled, the next regular meeting of the City Council will be held as scheduled on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Recommendation: That the City Council cancel the regular City Council meeting of July 22, 2025. C. Annual Service Level Authorization with „the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department To approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 annual service rate increases for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department law enforcement services, estimated to be $11,079,475. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 annual service rate increases for law enforcement services; and 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Annual Service Level Authorization Form for FY 2025-26 and all necessary documents with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. D. Report of Purchase Orders in Excess of $10,000 The report provides a summary of purchase orders exceeding $10,000 issued during the months of January 2025 through June 30, 2025. These purchase order commitments reflect significant expenditure on goods and services necessary for City operations and are reported for informational and transparency purposes. Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report on purchase orders issued more than $10,000 for the months of January 2025 through June 30, 2025. E. Accept Completed Improvements and Authorize Filing of a Notice of Completion for City Project No. 31031 — Roof Replacement at Public Works Office & Warehouse Building On January 14, 2025, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Best Contracting Services, Inc. for the Roof Replacement project at the City Public Services building. The total construction budget, including a 10% contingency, was set at $537,267.50. The completed improvements included replacing the deteriorating roof with a new metal roof system, removing the existing hazardous roofing materials, and weatherproofing the new roof. Furthermore, the scope of work expanded to include the replacement of three non-functioning swamp coolers with Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 7 of 11 new systems, including the fabrication of metal curbs to ensure a watertight system with all metal flashings. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Accept the project completion for the Public Services Office and Warehouse Building Project No. 31031 as performed by Best Contracting Services, Inc. with the final contract amount of $528,081.43; and 2. Authorize the recordation of Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Recorder and the release of retention funds 35 days thereafter. F. Consideration of an Investment Grade Audit Agreement with Schneider Electric Buildings Americas, Inc. to Evaluate Energy Use Optimization Measures for City Facilities This item seeks City Council approval of an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) agreement with Schneider Electric Buildings Americas, Inc. The purpose of the IGA is to evaluate the City's energy usage and identify optimization measures such as LED lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, installation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), -and implementation of Building Automation Systems. The audit will focus on the following facilities: City Hall, Garvey Community Center, Rosemead Community Recreation Center, Garvey Park Clubhouse, Garvey Park Splash Zone, Rosemead Park, and the Rosemead Aquatic Center. Additionally, the project includes the development of a Capital Asset Planning database and a Streetlighting Master Plan for citywide LED streetlight conversion. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Investment Grade Audit (IGA) Agreement with Schneider Electric in support of the City's Strategic Plan Goal C to improve City facilities and promote the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency resources. G. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-38 Establishing Salary and Benefits for the Classifications in the Unrepresented Executive Management Group from July 1, 2025 Through June 30, 2027 Resolution No. 2025-38 describes the salary and benefits for the Executive Management employees of the City effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-38, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD FROM JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 8 of 11 H. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-39 Establishing Salary and Benefits for the Classifications in the Unrepresented Middle Management Group from July 1, 2025 Through June 30, 2027, and Resolution No. 2025-40 Establishing Salary and Benefits for Part -Time Employees from July 1, 2025 Through June 30, 2027 Resolution No. 2025-39 describes the salary and benefits for the Middle Management employees of the City effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, while Resolution No. 2025-40 describes the salary and benefits for all Part -Time employees of the City. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: • Adopt Resolution No. 2025-39, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MIDDLE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD FROM JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 • Adopt Resolution No. 2025-40, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY .OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE SERVICE OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD FROM JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUKE 30, 2027 I. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-41 Amending the City of Rosemead Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to Meet the California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 570.5 and 571 to Reflect Approved Rates California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 570.5 and amendments to 571(b) require a consolidated Salary Schedule which shows all City classifications and salary ranges for purposes of determining eligible salary compensation for retirement be publicly available. The consolidated salary schedule must be adopted by the City Council even though the compensation changes were approved via a Memorandum of Understanding and/or employee salary and benefit Resolutions. Resolution No. 2025-41 includes the Citywide Salary Schedule reflecting a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The adjustment applies to Executive, Middle Management, and Part -Time employees. This schedule does not include any adjustment to the Rosemead Employee Association and the Professional and Confidential groups due to ongoing labor negotiations. If any concurrent salary -related resolutions are modified, the schedule must also be updated accordingly. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 9 of 11 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-41, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE SALARY SCHEDULE TO MEET THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5 AND 571 TO REFLECT APPROVED RATES FROM JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 J. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-36 Establishing Salary and Benefits for the City Council of the City of Rosemead Effective July 1, 2025, and Including a Monthly Auto and Communications Allowance in Lieu of Reimbursement In lieu of submitting individual mileage reimbursement claims, staff recommends establishing a fixed monthly auto allowance for Council Members. This approach ensures fair compensation, simplifies administration, and aligns with practices in neighboring cities. In addition, staff recommends providing a separate monthly allowance to support accessibility and technology needs, such as mobile devices, internet connectivity, or virtual meeting tools, in lieu of processing individual reimbursement requests. Consistent with City policy, Council benefits including Cafeteria -style Health, Welfare, and Savings plans, as well as wellness program benefits will also be updated to reflect recent enhancements proposed to employee groups. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-36, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025, AND INCLUDING A MONTHLY AUTO AND COMMUNICATIONS ALLOWANCE IN LIEU OF REIMBURSEMENT 5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF - None 6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Council Comments Council Member Dang thanked and commended city staff for their work on the 4th of July and parade and carnival. He requested to agendize at a future meeting a topic on using drones to patrol events as an augmented tool for staff and sheriff to use. In addition, he commended the Sheriff and public safety team for quickly addressing homeless activity near the Taiwan Center. Lastly, he highlighted recent economic development successes, including ribbon cuttings and the opening of new commercial stores and restaurants, reflecting positive growth in the community. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page 10 of 11 Mayor Pro Tern Armenta thanked and commended city staff, department directors, and their families for the 4th of July event, noting everyone's hands-on involvement. Also commended the Sheriff's Department, patrolling and promptly handling a minor incident at the park and providing a sense of safety for attendees. Overall, the event was successful and appreciated by the public. Mayor Clark expressed excitement about new shops opening in the area, noting that the developments are encouraging and contribute to a positive community impression. She also commended staff for their efforts during the 4th of July events, highlighting the park and carnival activities that were attended and enjoyed by residents and families. Special appreciation was expressed to Chief of Police Lieutenant Tiwari and Director of Public Safety Murakami for their prompt response regarding illegal fireworks, along with suggestions for potential enhancements for future events, including the use of drones and other safety measures. Mayor Pro Tem. Armenta thanked Director of Public Safety Murakami and his staff for patrolling the city for illegal fireworks and keeping the city safe. 7. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Clark adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk APPROVED: Margaret Clark, Mayor Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2025 Page]] of 11